KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Elise Johns, an 8-year-old-Kansas City girl, died Monday, five days after being injured in a car crash with her dad, brother and sister, at Gregory and The Paseo in Kansas City, Missouri.
Tim Johns, Elise's grandfather spoke with 41 Action News Tuesday in front of Children's Mercy Hospital.
He has never known grief at this level.
"I am grieving for Elise--I loved her like she was my daughter; and I am also grieving for my son who lost his daughter," Tim Johns said.
The family is making plans to donate Elise's organs; and it's possible that her organs could save eight other lives.
The Johns Family. From left to right: Kaden, Elise, Jason, Sarah and Hope.
"There was no person she didn't love," he said. "She had a great voice and loved music and was learning to play the guitar."
Jason Johns was driving his three children to school when he was hit by an oncoming car and crashed into a light pole. Jason's wife, Sarah, was not in the car.
Jason Johns posted an update on Facebook.
Elise's sister, Hope Johns, 5, is still in the hospital in the ICU. Tim Johns said that Hope is improving. He called it the miracle the family has been praying for.
He said Hope has moved her toes and and she can voice momma and papa. Tim Johns explained that Hope is not in the clear yet. and asked for continued prayers for her full recovery.
The third child, 10-year-old Kaden. suffered a broken wrist and was previously released from the hospital. He is staying with his grandparents.
A close family friend has created and maintained aGoFundMe page which has raised more than $125,000 for the Johns family.
