TOWN OF LEWISTON, NY (WKBW) – December 10, 2004. This is the day when the lives of Alexis Kraft and Richard Hill changed forever.
“She was our whole world,” said Kraft.
Renee Hill was a 16 year old sophomore at Niagara Wheatfield High School. She was the eldest of four children.
“She was a mama bear for sure. She could put them on the line very quickly, but she was loving and everyone loved her, ”said Kraft.
“Everyone loved her,” said Hill.
Alexis Kraft
Her parents say that Renée loved lacrosse. Her trainer, Joe Kiszka, said she was quiet, but intimidating and a strong and silent leader. He said that in the field Renee was feared, but outside the field she was an absolute girlfriend.
“We would love to go and see her play lacrosse because she was really amazing. All the parents and all the other girls on the team would call her a beast because, once she went on the pitch, she would just try, ”said Kraft.
Alexis Kraft
But Renee’s life came to a sudden and tragic end on Saturday morning, when she went sledding with her cousins at Clyde L. Burmaster Park in the town of Lewiston.
“She had come down the hill. She was with my 3 year old nephew with her. She saw the tree coming. His first instinct was to put his foot on the ground and turn the sled over so my nephew wouldn’t get hurt. She hit the tree. Her heart stopped on the way to the hospital, ”said Kraft.
Her parents said Renee died saving her 3-year-old cousin.
“Everyone is calling her a hero. But that was my baby,” said Kraft.
Alexis Kraft
Renee’s parents thank the community for their support during such a difficult time.
“Don’t underestimate a minute with your babies. Tell them that you love them.
There is a GoFundMe created to help the family.