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Girl, 5, Dies From Injuries Suffered In Lakeland Crash

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By RAY REYES

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 11, 2008

TAMPA - A 5-year-old girl died Monday afternoon at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, a day after her family's minivan was involved in a crash in Lakeland.

Hope Wheeler was true to her name, said her father, Rick Wheeler.

"She gave everybody hope," he said.

Rick Wheeler, his wife, Camille, and their three children were driving to First Baptist Church of the Mall about 8:50 a.m. Sunday when they were involved in a collision, grandmother Judy Wheeler said.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Joseph Dziadon, 40, of Lakeland, ran a stop sign at County Road 35A and Old Kathleen Road and struck the family's 2002 Mazda van.

No charges have been filed.

Camille Wheeler, 38, and daughters Katherine, 7, and Regan, 3, were treated at hospitals in Lakeland and in Tampa for minor injuries.

Hope was taken to St. Joseph's in critical condition. She died Monday at 4:15 p.m.

Rick Wheeler, 40, director of the office of leadership development for the Florida Baptist Convention, said the rest of his family members are fine after receiving bumps and bruises.

The family is grieving, he said, but is "very appreciative of all the love and support we've received."

Wheeler said that he and his wife enrolled Hope in an organ donor program to perhaps help other children.

"That's the glimmer of light," he said. "We're pleased we can share Hope with other families."

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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