Fundraiser in Atascocita for two girls killed in intoxicated driving crash

ATASCOCITA, Texas (FOX 26) - A community gathered on Friday evening to help families heal and let them know that they are not alone. It’s been almost three days since police say Jagger Smith, 17, smashed a vehicle into a tree, killing two of his friends as a result. He has since been charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter.

As the sun set around Bahama Buck’s in Atascocita, a popular spot to hang out, dozens of people packed inside the shaved ice store.

“If anything, it means a lot these were people I went to school with," says Trinity Deauvero. "The two girls, I had class with this year, and it just means a lot that as a community, we can come together and honor their lives in such a fun way and I can serve my community and it’s just great”.

Deauvero also says Salma Gomez, 16 and Chloe Robison, 16, would come into Bahama Buck's often. To help their families, friends and supporters that knew the girls had decided to host a fundraising event.

“Our crew really spearheaded this," says Alysa Allison, the regional manager for Bahamas Buck’s. "They wanted to put it together. They wanted to help out. Even though they are hurting, they are comforting each other and they want to comfort the family as well, so we definitely decided to help them out to make sure this goes into action.”

“Some of my friends knew Selma and they were close to her and it’s really important for us to be there for them in this hard time," says Reagan Rhodes, who attended the fundraiser with friends "I didn’t know her very well, but every time I saw her, she was really nice to me and that really meant something to me.”

Photos of the girls were hung up at the store and a prayer station was set up for anyone who needed it. All around the store, you could hear people talking about the girls, their memories and why they were loved so much.

“Both of them just had a smile that could really light up a room," says Deauvero. "Always laughing, always joking around, they were just really sweet souls that I think everybody gained something, so losing them is going to be really tough for the community and it’s going to take a while, but I think we can do it together with time.”

“Come out, be here to support them and their families," says Rhodes. "It means a lot to them.”

Twenty percent of all proceeds on Friday night will benefit the families, while tips during the rest of the weekend will entirely be distributed to that same fund.