A GoFundMe campaign is raising more than $16,000 for the teenagers

A fundraising campaign launched to help the family of a Rainier teen who died on Saturday has blown past its original goal and now has raised more than $16,000, according to GoFundMe.

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Jessie C. Uch, 17, who was identified by the Thurston County Coroner on Monday, died late Saturday afternoon in a car wreck on Rainier Road, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

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Uch, who was a passenger in that vehicle, died at the scene. The 18-year-old driver, who deputies say was processed for driving under the influence, was hurt and ultimately taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He is now facing vehicular assault and vehicular homicide charges, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

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Following Saturday’s incident, the GoFundMe campaign was started and identifies Candi and Crystal Shelton as the organizers of the fundraising effort. They describe Uch as a Rainier High School cheerleader.

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“She was pure sunshine, always smiling, genuine and caring,” they write. “She was truly loved by all. Life is not fair taking her away so soon over something so senseless and preventable. We will never understand.”

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