Emily Grace Mayo was only 9 years old, full of life, laughter, and love. On May 27, her young life was tragically cut short when she was found shot to death in a parked car alongside her father, James Lee Mayo, in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide.

It was a concerned citizen who made the heartbreaking discovery, calling authorities after spotting an unresponsive child locked inside a vehicle at Brooklet City Park in Georgia. When police arrived and entered the car, they found Emily in the backseat, lifeless from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. In the front seat was her father, James, 37, dead from what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A handgun was found resting on his lap.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now handling the case, and autopsies are underway for both Emily and her father. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the same weapon or bullets were used.

As the investigation continues, Emily’s family is left reeling from the sudden loss of a child described as a radiant soul who brought joy to everyone she met.

“Emily had the most joyful smile and the biggest heart,” her aunt, Amber Healy, wrote in a heartfelt message on a GoFundMe page created to raise money for funeral and burial costs. “She loved to laugh, dance, and sing.”

“She loved her family, and we loved her more than we could ever put into words,” Healy added. “The world lost a huge light.”

The tragedy has left Emily’s mother devastated. “No parent should ever have to make these decisions,” Healy wrote, asking for prayers and support as the family navigates what she described as a “nightmare we cannot wake up from.”

The community has rallied behind the grieving family. As of Thursday morning, the GoFundMe campaign had raised over $25,000 to help give Emily the farewell she deserves.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org for resources and support.

Emily’s story is a tragic reminder of how fragile life can be—and how every act of compassion, every word of support, can help carry a grieving family through the darkest of days.