Remembering ShaoLan Kamaly: A Bright Light Extinguished Too Soon

15 Jul, 2025

With hearts heavy with sorrow and a profound sense of loss, we share the tragic story of ShaoLan Kamaly, a beautiful 10-year-old girl whose life was cut short far too soon. On May 24, 2024, the community of Port Orange, Florida, was plunged into grief following an incident that claimed the life of this vibrant fourth-grader. Known affectionately to some as "Lana," ShaoLan was an angel who, in her magnificent short life, brought immeasurable joy to those around her. Her passing has left an indelible mark of sadness, not only on her loving family but also on an entire community grappling with the sudden and senseless loss of a promising young life.

The Tragic Morning of May 24, 2024

A Routine Morning Turned Tragedy

The morning of Friday, May 24, 2024, began like any other for ShaoLan Kamaly. As a fourth-grader at Sugar Mill Elementary School in Port Orange, she was on her way to school, just days before summer break was set to begin. Around 7:10 a.m., near the entrance of the school at 1101 Charles St., a routine commute turned into an unimaginable tragedy. ShaoLan was fatally injured when she was hit by an SUV. The incident occurred while she was either riding her bicycle or walking in a crosswalk, depending on various reports, both of which place her in a vulnerable position as she approached her school.

The driver involved in the accident was identified as a 71-year-old woman (some reports state 70-year-old). The driver remained at the scene following the collision. This devastating event unfolded outside Sugar Mill Elementary School, a place meant to be a safe haven for children, leaving a community in shock and disbelief. The fact that such a promising young life was taken in such a manner, right at the school's doorstep, has sparked widespread outrage and a deep sense of injustice among residents and beyond.

Who Was ShaoLan "Lana" Kamaly?

A Bright Light Extinguished Too Soon

ShaoLan Kamaly, a mere 10 years old at the time of her passing, was much more than just a victim of a tragic accident. She was described as a "beautiful angel" who possessed a spirit that radiated joy and promise. Those who were close to ShaoLan knew she was destined for great things. Her smarts and talents were evident to all, leading many to believe she had a future brimming with possibilities. Whether she would become a doctor, a writer, or an artist, ShaoLan's potential seemed boundless, and her path was set for remarkable achievements.

Her father, Keivan Kamaly, has expressed the profound depth of his grief, stating heartbreakingly, "She took my heart with her." This sentiment encapsulates the immense void left by ShaoLan's sudden departure. She brought immeasurable joy to her family and everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her magnificent short life, though tragically brief, was filled with moments that will forever be cherished by those who loved her. The images of this young girl, released for the first time by her grieving family, serve as a poignant reminder of the vibrant life that was lost.

A Community's Grief and Support

Rallying Around the Kamaly Family

In the wake of such an unbearable loss, the community of Port Orange and beyond has rallied around the Kamaly family, demonstrating an outpouring of support and shared sorrow. The news of ShaoLan's passing was met with widespread sadness, as individuals and families grappled with the reality of a child's life being so abruptly ended. To help with the significant financial burdens associated with a memorial and legal fees, ShaoLan's family established a GoFundMe campaign. Keivan Kamaly, her father, initiated the fundraising effort, stating, "I am fundraising for my beautiful daughter ShaoLan Kamaly, she was killed by a reckless driver at Sugar Mill Elementary School's entrance May 24, 2024. I'm raising this money to support." As of a recent update, nearly $9,000 had been raised, a testament to the community's desire to assist the family during this incredibly difficult time.

Honoring ShaoLan's Memory

Beyond financial contributions, the community has sought various ways to honor ShaoLan's memory and ensure her spirit is not forgotten. One poignant gesture of remembrance occurred when Tara Okhovatian placed a ghost bike outside of Sugar Mill Elementary. This symbolic white bicycle serves as a silent memorial to ShaoLan, a student who was struck and killed near the school, and a stark reminder of the need for road safety. The community has also been encouraged to share their favorite memories of ShaoLan and celebrate her life through an online obituary and memorial, providing a space for collective grieving and remembrance. The sorrow felt is palpable, and the collective grief underscores the deep impact ShaoLan had on those around her, even in her young age.

Seeking Justice and Accountability

The Legal Battle Ahead

Amidst their profound grief, the Kamaly family is also pursuing justice for ShaoLan. Keivan Kamaly, ShaoLan's father, has taken the courageous step of suing the 71-year-old driver who hit and killed his daughter. This legal action highlights the family's determination to hold accountable the individual responsible for what Keivan describes as the actions of a "reckless driver." The lawsuit seeks to address the circumstances surrounding ShaoLan's death, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and consequences for such a devastating incident. The family's pursuit of legal recourse is not only about obtaining justice for ShaoLan but also about advocating for greater road safety, particularly around schools, to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The driver remained at the scene, and the ongoing investigation will delve into the specifics of the incident near the school entrance.

The tragic loss of ShaoLan Kamaly on May 24, 2024, has profoundly impacted her family and the Port Orange community. A vibrant 10-year-old fourth-grader, ShaoLan, or Lana as she was known, was a bright spirit full of potential, tragically taken while on her way to Sugar Mill Elementary. Her passing, caused by being struck by an SUV near her school, has ignited widespread grief and a collective desire for justice. The community has shown immense support through a GoFundMe campaign, raising nearly $9,000 for memorial and legal fees, and through symbolic gestures like the ghost bike placed at the school. Her father, Keivan Kamaly, is actively pursuing a lawsuit against the driver, seeking accountability for the "reckless" act that claimed his daughter's life. ShaoLan's memory lives on as a reminder of a beautiful life lost too soon and a call for enhanced safety measures to protect children in our communities.

ShaoLan Kamaly killed in Port Orange bicycle accident

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