#AlexisStrong fundraiser supports South Haven teen injured in crash

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) — One week after a South Haven teenager was seriously injured in a crash, her community came together to raise money to support her.

Authorities say 17-year-old Alexis Kasinger was the passenger in a car that was hit by a drunken driver on June 28.

“Almost every day, she’s had a surgery fixing different bones, but she has a really long road ahead of her,” Kasinger’s dance coach Brandy Campbell, director of Shoreline Dance Academy, said.

Hundreds of friends, teammates and community members came together at South Haven High School Friday raise money and show their support. Many wore shirts that said “#AlexisStrong” on the front and “Don’t Drink and Drive” on the back. Local businesses donated raffle prizes and a spaghetti dinner.

“She deserves everybody here. She deserves everyone’s support because she’s there for everyone, so I am glad that everyone can be there for her,” Kasinger’s teammate Gianna Bell said.

Those that know Alexis, either from dance or swim team or the hallways of the high school, say she is a bright light, always making everyone smile and laugh and radiating positivity.

“She always finds a way to make you happy, her personality. Even when she’s down, she still does her best to make everyone happy and she’s just an overall amazing person. You’ll never meet someone as sweet and kind as her,” swim teammate Sianna Cox said.

The wreck happened at the intersection of County Road 388 and Beachwood Lane east of South Haven. Police say 19-year-old Eric Gonzalez was driving the car that hit Kasinger and that he was under the influence. South Haven Police Chief Natalie Thompson said he took off after the crash but was later found by officers. She said he blew a .15 — nearly twice the legal blood alcohol content limit of .08 — on a preliminary breath test.

Elena Cavadas, one of Kasinger’s swim teammates, said she took driver’s education with Alexis. She never thought something like this would ever happen.

“We are always warned about this stuff happening, but we don’t take it seriously until it really does happen. And now seeing her going through this, I just want people to take it seriously because it could be your loved one or friend that goes through this,” Cavadas said.

Campbell, the dance coach, was hopeful the fundraiser would help educate everyone about the dangers of drunken driving.

“We just want her to keep fighting and hopefully this tragedy will turn into something where people will think before they do something that could tragically someone else’s life,” she said.

A GoFundMe account has been launched to help support Kasinger.

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