Prairie Village fifth-grader dies after trip to Nashville soccer tournament ends in crash

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A fifth-grade girl from Prairie Village has died, just days after she and her family were involved in a crash while driving to Nashville. Annie Koester, a student at St. Ann Catholic School, died from injuries she sustained in a crash on Wednesday, July 15, her school shared. She was placed on life support and reportedly died late Saturday night. According to a GoFundMe page, Annie and her family were driving to Nashville for a soccer tournament when the crash took place. Where and what caused the crash is still unknown; however, FOX4 is working to gather those answers. In the wake of her passing, leaders at St. Ann Catholic Church issued a statement on social media, expressing their grief and extending their condolences to the family. "It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Annie Koester, a beloved 5th-grade student at St. Ann School, who succumbed to her injuries last night following a car accident earlier this week," the local church said. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who has kept Annie and the Koester family in your prayers." Annie's team, the KC Legends Soccer Club, also shared a message about her passing on social media. The post reads: "On July 15, the Koester family, a longtime Legends family, was involved in a tragic car accident while traveling from Kansas City to Nashville for a soccer tournament.In the days since the accident, the family has experienced an unimaginable loss with the passing of their daughter Annie, #8. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Koester family and to all who knew and loved Annie.As the family continues to grieve, they also face a long road to recovery in the weeks and months ahead. Their family, friends, and teammates have continued to lift them up in prayer and support during this incredibly difficult time.The Koesters have been a valued part of our club for many years and have consistently supported those around them, both on and off the field. Now, we have the opportunity to support them during this difficult time." The club went on to share the GoFundMe page, which was set up to support the Koester family. The donation page has already reached more than $50,000. The goal was set at $60,000. According to the GoFundMe page, the fundraiser is intended to help the family with any high and unexpected costs that come with a serious crash and the loss of a loved one, including medical care, rehabilitation, travel, lodging, meals, and time away from work, among other things. "This fundraiser is intended to ease those burdens so the Koester family can focus on healing, supporting one another, and moving forward together," the GoFundMe says. "Every donation, regardless of the amount, is a meaningful way to stand beside this incredible family. Please continue to pray for the entire Koester family. Thank you for your prayers, generosity, and support." To donate or find ways to help the Koesters, click here. At this time, St. Ann Church, located at 7231 Mission Road in Prairie Village, has scheduled a Mass for 5 p.m. Sunday, giving the friends, family and churchgoers the opportunity to gather and pray. The church said it will share information regarding funeral arrangements as they become available.