Trip for ice cream while visiting grandmother ends in crash that kills 6-year-old, 3 more relatives

ATLANTA — A southwest Atlanta mom is planning a funeral for her 6-year-old daughter after an accused drunk driver hit several cars while going 120 miles per hour. Four others died in that crash.

Chantel Solomon’s mom, Divinia Hamilton, says she was just a few days away from returning to Atlanta and starting first grade at College Park Elementary School. A few weeks ago, while visiting her grandmother on Long Island, a trip to get ice cream had a tragic end.

“Seeing little kids, it hurts my feelings to see other little kids that’s around her age. It hurts me to see school buses. It’s a lot,” Hamilton told Channel 2′s Candace McCowan. “I break down every day since she died.”

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Earlier this month while visiting family on Long Island, the car Chantel was in was hit by a driver who police say was going 120.5 miles per hour. The collision immediately killed Hamilton’s stepfather, sister and brother.

Chantel spent days in the hospital fighting for her life but she too eventually died. It’s hard for Hamilton to not be angry at the driver, who is facing several charges, including driving under the influence.

“I just want him to realize the impact of what he’s done,” she said.

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Hamilton is now raising money to bring Chantel back to Georgia for her funeral.

Family friends are also hosting an angel ride in Chantel’s honor on September 6 at the International Riders Club House in Conyers.

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