Scholarship set up in memory of young Clovis boy killed in ATV accident
CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- A nine-year-old Clovis boy is being remembered by family and friends after a tragic accident. Family members said the third-grader died in an ATV accident on New Year's Day.
Rocco Rossini died at only nine-years-old, but teachers said the third grader was an old soul who lived his short life with purpose. "He was such a hard worker. Such a pleaser. Always wanted to do the right thing," said Shelly Reagan, Rocco's former teacher.
And as Reagan reflects on her former student, the reality that he's gone forever starts to set in. "Rocco has a special part in my heart. He always will. He reminded me of my own son, so I always felt like I really connected with him," said Reagan.
Rossini was in an ATV accident when on a trip with his family. He died from his injuries, according to his obituary, in rural San Joaquin County. To help with the sudden loss, leaders from Clovis Unified brought in a team of specialists for students. "Our own school psychologist, Mrs. Rachel Allen, who has just been wonderful, has been seeing children and we have people coming and going. And we've had parents come in and want to talk with her as well," said Garfield Elementary School Principal Jessica Mele.
This week many students have written memories and drawings on notecards as a gift to Rocco's family. And in an overwhelming gesture of support, hundreds have donated to the Rocco Rossini Scholarship Fund, which has raised almost $30,000 in just two days. "They've contributed and given to us over the years and now it's our time to give back to them," said Mele.
Teachers said that money will go toward supporting young student athletes as Rocco loved to play sports.
