The family of a Moray teenager killed in a car crash have revealed they have been overwhelmed by the support of the community.
Fourteen-year-old Neringa Narusyte, from Buckpool, died after the car she was a passenger in collided with a 4×4.
Her friend Nyah McKay was seriously injured and is still in hospital in Glasgow.
Locals set up an online fundraising campaign to support both the girls’ families.
More than 300 people have pledged money and the total raised now stands at more than £6,400 – despite organisers only setting a target of £2,000.
Yesterday, Neringa’s mother Ilona Narusiene revealed she had been stopped by complete strangers affected by the crash who want to express their sympathy.
She said: “It’s been overwhelming. Friends and family have been very supportive. So many things have been happening.
“I’ve seen the fundraising campaign. I don’t even know what to think about it. It’s very mixed feelings.
“People have been stopping me in the street to say how sorry they are. When I was in Elgin a woman I don’t know just came up to me and gave me money.”
This week, Neringa’s Buckie High School friends sent lanterns into the sky in a touching tribute to their classmate.
A special bus has been organised to take pupils from the school to her funeral at Moray Crematorium on Tuesday at 2.30pm.
Mourners have been asked to wear dark colours to reflect Neringa’s dress sense.
Donations following the service will go to the RSPCA, a cause which was close to the teenager’s heart.
Mrs Narusiene said: “She loved animals. She was always asking me to donate money towards them. We have stickers in the house for them.
“It’s what she wanted to do in the future as a job. She wanted to protect animals and wanted to work with them every day.”
Police have launched an investigation into the crash, which happened on the B9016 Buckie-Keith road at 10.38pm on Wednesday, October 26 near Rye Riggs at Aultmore.
They have urged anyone with information to contact them on 101.
