LEESBURG, Fla. – Friends and family members gathered Thursday to remember four Lake County girls killed in a Memorial Day crash on Interstate 95 in Brevard County.
A prayer vigil was held for Amunya, Niashia, Nadia and Jasmine Cruz. The sisters all died Monday after the Florida Highway Patrol said a tire on their mother's SUV separated on the highway in Titusville, causing her to lose control and crash.
Troopers said 11 people were in the SUV, including a toddler, who survived despite being thrown 30 feet over a barrier wall.
[RELATED: FHP: 4 sisters killed in I-95 crash]
The vigil was at Bible Teachers International on Johns Avenue in Leesburg.
"I'm hurt. I'm devastated. I just can't explain the pain," father Manuel Cruz said.
Manuel Cruz was at a loss for words after losing his four daughters. Their mother, Latorya Brown, had tears running down her face four days after four of her girls were killed.
Manuel Cruz said he still can't believe what happened.
"My heart stopped. I'm just trying to deal with it. It's good girls and, you know, and you see all the support. They were loved by many," Manuel Cruz said.
Inside the church, everyone joined in song during the vigil. A family member read one of the last things one sister wrote in church. "If I could send a message to the whole world, I would tell them to pray every day. I would also tell them to keep living and never give up."
The minister who presided at the service said the girl's message was uplifting.
"I feel like that was very encouraging and she was willing to say continue to live. No matter what happens, what comes your way, don't give up," the minister, Primes McGirt, said.
After the service, everyone went outside and released balloons in memory of Nadia, Jazmine, Niashia and Amunya.
A Wells Fargo account has been set up for anyone who wants to help the family.
Their funerals will be held June 12.