Fundraiser Set Up After Baby Dies Tuesday In Route 303 Crash

CLARKSTOWN, NY — A baby girl died in a crash Tuesday on Route 303, and her family's church community has swung into action raising money for funeral expenses, her mother's hospital and rehab bills, and more.

St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Church in Haverstraw started a GoFundMe page for the Kunnakattumalayil family on Wednesday.

The crash involved a box truck and a Nissan Pathfinder driven by Chinnu Kunnakattumalayil with two of her children, Jacinta, 1, and Johan, 3. All four were hospitalized.

Police said Wednesday that the 1-year-old later succumbed to her injuries. The 31-year-old mother and the 3-year-old boy were recovering. The driver of the box truck, who had to be extricated by firefighters, was also recovering.

"Beautiful she was and loved by all who got to meet her. The joy Jacinta brought to our lives cannot be described in words but is undoubtedly felt in all of our hearts," the church said on its GoFundMe page.

Chinnu Kunnakattumalayil had to undergo major surgery on her leg.

"Her journey towards recovery will be lengthy and challenging, with months of medical care and rehabilitation lying ahead of her," the church said.

Struggling with their profound loss and Chinnu’s recovery, the family confronts a daunting financial challenge. With no immediate return to work possible, the weight of medical expenses, household expenses and the responsibility of caring for the other two children (Jophiel and Johan), this is where we, as a community, come in. We can not bring back Jacinta or erase Roger and Chinnu’s pain, but we can lend a hand in alleviating some of the financial burden that threatens to drown them in these darkest hours.

Kindly contribute what you’re able to and spread the word about this campaign. Every bit counts and every act of kindness whispers a message of hope in the face of unimaginable grief.

Donations will go to:

• Help cover funeral expenses for Jacinta
• Help cover medical bills and rehabilitation costs for Chinnu
• Ease the burden of daily expenses while they navigate their loss and recovery
• Allow them to focus on healing and grieving without the added stress of financial hardship

The campaign has already raised $59,380 toward its $100,000 goal.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined; Route 303 was closed for seven hours for police investigation and clean-up.

Police ask any witnesses or anyone who has information regarding the crash to call the Clarkstown Police Department at 845-639-5800.

Patch reached out to St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Church for comment.