Community helps keep memory of young girl alive after tragic ATV accident

FAIRFIELD, Ohio (WKRC) – Three years have passed since Reagan Vanoss was killed in a tragic ATV accident, but her family and friends are determined to keep her memory alive.

Reagan would have turned 14 on Wednesday and would have been a freshman at Fairfield Freshman School.

“One of my greatest fears is that she will be forgotten,” said Angela Vanoss, Reagan's mother.

Angela has experienced every parent's worst nightmare: losing a child. Reagan was only 10 when she and her father were in an ATV accident.

“She was really smart; she was funny; she loved her TikTok; she loved the musical Hamilton. She was just bubbly,” Angela said.

Three years later, she is still not forgotten.

Her classmates came to school Wednesday wearing Reagan's favorite color. Fairfield teachers organized a special lunch to remember the girl many called “Rey Rey.” Hundreds of hearts with kind messages and “Happy Birthday Reagan” covered a wall in the cafeteria.

“Believe in yourself. You are amazing. Start the day with a smile. Be kind and every day is a good day,” said Jillian Marquette.

The support for Reagan touched Marquette, who is beginning her freshman year at the university without her best friend.

“I think it's really nice because it shows that everyone still cares about her and that she's still here,” Marquette said. “She was just a really fun and energetic person and she was the nicest person I knew.”

Reagan's family also founded a nonprofit organization called the Purple Monkey Project, named after a stuffed animal that Reagan always held in his arms.

“I had to keep a part of her here with me. So I took my favorite from my childhood and put it in the coffin. And then I took the purple monkey. So I always have it with me on my hard days. She goes to work with me,” Angela said.

The nonprofit organization has awarded nearly $100,000 in scholarships, awards and tuition assistance to local students in need.

“I think she would be very, very proud of what we have accomplished so far and what we continue to do,” said Brad Vanoss, Reagan's father.

Brad said the nonprofit has been successful largely because of the support of the community, but most of all it has helped keep Reagan's memory alive.

“Say her name. Always think of her,” Brad said.

“I wish with all my heart that she could be here, but I hope she sees all these people and all her friends who are doing well,” Angela said.

If you would like to donate to the Purple Monkey Project, click here.