‘She was my safe place.’ GoFundMe launched for Palmetto woman killed in crash
Loved ones of a Palmetto woman killed while crossing the road last month are asking the community for help as they prepare to lay her to rest, according to a GoFundMe.
The fundraiser seeks to cover funeral expenses following the death of 24-year-old Rakaih Pressey, who was struck and killed while crossing U.S. 301 on her birthday.
Marquavia Jenkins, Pressey’s girlfriend of three years, described Pressey as deeply loving, loyal and generous.
“She was very loving and caring with everybody,” Jenkins said. “She would literally give the jacket off her back. She would go out of her way to do anything for anybody.”
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Pressey was walking along the side of U.S. 301 on Nov. 19 at around 10:30 p.m. when she attempted to cross the northbound lanes. Troopers said a Lincoln sedan traveling north in the left lane struck her. The driver, an 80-year-old Bradenton man, was not injured. Pressey was pronounced dead at the scene, FHP said.
For Jenkins, Pressey will be remembered most for the way she showed up for the people she loved.
“She believed in treating people how she wanted to be treated,” Jenkins said.
Palmetto woman killed in Bradenton crash
Pressey worked as a dietary aide at Summerfield Senior Living in Bradenton, where Jenkins said she was well liked by coworkers and supervisors. Outside of work, Jenkins said much of her life revolved around family and home.
“She was really family-oriented,” Jenkins said. “She helped take care of my son like he was her own child.”
Jenkins’ son, Ace, is 4. Pressey handled daycare drop-offs and pickups and made sure Jenkins got to and from work each day, Jenkins said. The three shared a daily routine that Jenkins now struggles to return to.
“I can’t stay or be in my home,” Jenkins said. “She was my safe place. She was my protector.”
GoFundMe launched for funeral expenses
Jenkins described Pressey as outgoing and joyful, saying she loved meeting people, always smiled and easily became the center of attention. “She was the life of the party,” Jenkins said.
While Pressey enjoyed going out, Jenkins said she had recently settled into a quieter routine centered on work and home.
Now Jenkins is navigating grief while trying to adjust to daily life without her partner. “I’m just broken,” Jenkins said.
The GoFundMe asks the community to help ease the financial burden on Pressey’s family as they plan her funeral. In the fundraiser description, organizers wrote that Pressey was a loving daughter, sister, friend and partner whose loss has left “a deep void in our hearts.”
“Everybody loved being around her,” Jenkins said.
A memorial service is scheduled for Dec. 13. As of Wednesday, the GoFundMe has raised $1,405 toward a $6,000 goal.
