School District Mourns Boat Victim Who Would Have Turned 8 Friday

The Huntington Union Free School District has begun offering grief counseling and support following the death of third grader Victoria Gaines, who would have turned 8 years old on Friday.

Gaines and two other children died when the boat they were in after a fireworks show near Oyster Bay. 

Well-liked by her classmates and cherished by her friends and teachers the Huntington student was remembered Friday by district officials.

"The Huntington school community is deeply saddened to learn of this terrible tragedy," Superintendent James W. Polansky in a statement on the district website. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Victoria's family and friends during this very difficult time."

The school district crisis team began offering grief counseling and support Friday at Washington. 

Also Friday off Lloyd Neck, above the wreck of the Candi One, the 34-foot cabin cruiser that capsized and sank off Oyster Bay July 4. 

Also killed in the accident was 11-year-old  of Huntington Station and , 12, of Kings Park.

Funeral services have been set and .

A memorial fund is being set up to pay for funeral expenses for Gaines, according to a Long Island News 12 report. Those who wish to donate may contact: Kelly and Della Gruenberg at 700 Koehler Ave. in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., 11779; or call (631) 737-4110.