Athena Strand's mother speaks publicly for the first time since 7-year-old's death

Maitlyn Gandy told thousands in Cottondale Tuesday night to remember her daughter as they gathered for a candlelight vigil.

[waynenorbreyjr]

I might not know this family and community, but this just totally breaks my heart 💔 as a dad and granddad of girls. 😢 My heart and condolences goes out to her family, classmates and the community affected by this awful tragedy.

[stephaniecontreras]

This is heart breaking I’m in okc Oklahoma and I can’t stop crying I lost my child at the age of 2 from a horrible accident I could never imagine going through this I’m hugging my other 2 babies tighter right now and forever remembering Athena strand ❤😢

[mystica]

I can’t see this without tearing up, little Angel r.I.p🙏🏻😢😭😭💔

[Pink__]

Will always remember Athena Strand 🦋🌸💞🙏🏼💫 Rest in love & peace. Condolences to her family and friends ~ 🌸

[thediamondprincechristian]

Her hair is pink in Honor of Athena, she loved that color.. May the Holy spirit guide Athena in her journey.

[Tflyisme]

I want to see this step-mother who was too lazy to meet this baby at the bus stop.

[roseanncarter]

The pain you must be feeling is unimaginably. I'm so sorry (not a strong enough word) for the loss of your beautiful daughter. As a parent myself this in so unnatural no parent should have to bury/cremate their children we're suppose to go first. Your family are in my prayers.

[elizabethgarcia]

Beautifu ángel, Athena fly hight, condolences to her family🙏🏼😭

[bluegreen]

Beyond sadness....Can not Trust nobody I do not even get packages delivered to my home Anymore... I use lock boxes

[arabellastringer]

Crying right now. My prayers for the family ❤️❤️❤️

[karenmoss]

Rest in peace beautiful little girl love to you and your family

[mzgodly]

R.I.P Athena, I am dumbfounded as to why this man did this to this beautiful baby girl, smh😢

[sheryljones]

I'm so sorry about what happened to Athena and I just be praying for you and your family ma'am and I pray they throw that sucker that did this to your daughter under the jail cell not in it he deserves nothing less

[califcamper]

What a nightmare...watch your kids folks

[Yolandaana]

She well always be in are hearts and alive and when we wear are pink today 3days weekend next few days it for Athena.whem we wear them every time

[neilmccarthy]

Step Mother has lots and lots to answer in all this tragedy

[spokenwords]

Set the bail low, pay it, and let law enforcement turn away

[scarletx]

This breaks my heart ♥ why why do we have such evil creatures in this world Sending my love and thoughts from Manchester. England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 💙💙💙💙

[jaydengarcia]

A fetus red died, because the FedEx driver was showing her with his bare hands

[kyriakoskitsios]

Athena is a Greek Goddess name.
Horrible crime.