A Florida mother, her young daughter and the girl’s father were killed last Saturday in a head-on collision on I-95 in Robeson County, North Carolina, while driving north to visit relatives in the Middletown area. Loved ones identified the victims as Anastasia “Tasia” Zervakis, her 8-year-old daughter Gisele Beniquez and Gisele’s father, Eddie Beniquez. Their deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief and support from friends and family across New York and North Carolina.
Relatives and local reports say the family was on the way to Orange County when the crash occurred; officials told reporters that Zervakis lived in Florida. As reported by News 12 New York, the deadly collision happened along I-95 in Robeson County. Investigators have not released a detailed timeline of the wreck and say the inquiry remains active.
Investigation underway
State and local troopers responded to the scene and are collecting evidence as part of the ongoing probe. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety oversees the State Highway Patrol and its crash investigation units, which typically handle major collisions on the interstate.
Fundraisers and community support
In the days since the crash, friends and relatives have launched online fundraisers to help cover funeral expenses, travel and other immediate costs. Those efforts have already raised tens of thousands of dollars, according to News 12 New York. Organizers described Gisele as “precious” and said the family is “mourning the loss of a beloved daughter, mother and father.” Funeral plans were still being finalized at the time of reporting.
What officials have said and what comes next…