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'She was a sassy tomboy': Family friends remember Nampa 3-year-old killed in car crash

The crash occurred on the morning on July 2 at the intersection of Orchard and Diamond streets.

BOISE, Idaho — Family friends are remembering a Nampa toddler who died a week after a car crash in Boise.

Three-year-old Odalys Rynee Chavez-Martinez, known by her nickname "NeyNey," died Monday from injuries she suffered in the crash.

According to Boise Police, the girl was one of four people inside a van that was hit by an SUV near the intersection of Orchard Street and Diamond Street on July 2.

A close family friend, Patsy Calero, described Odalys as having a big personality who left an impression wherever she went.

“She was very, very sassy," she said. "Loved dresses but also loved dinosaurs so she was a sassy tomboy. Her favorite color was blue – and pink and purple. Everywhere she went she lighted up the room and was just very lovable.”

Credit: Courtesy of Patsy Jimenez Calero
Odalys Martinez

A fundraiser will be held on Sunday to help raise money to pay for Odalys' funeral costs. The goal is $6,000.

Calero said there will be food to buy, a raffle and silent auction items, including autographed memorabilia from former Boise State Broncos and current Dallas Cowboys player Demarcus Lawrence.

“She was taken too soon. She had all her life ahead of her and we want this to be a memorial to remember who she was," Calero said. "She made an impact on a lot of people’s lives.”

The fundraiser is July 14 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Community Council of Idaho in Caldwell. Calero said anyone who would like to help and can't make the fundraiser, can also donate directly to the Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel

A gofundme page has also been set up to help the family. 

The driver of the SUV, a 53-year-old Boise woman, received minor injuries in the crash.

According to Boise Police, no charges have been filed in the accident at this time. Police are waiting for toxicology results. 

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