SoRaya Niesha Manakaja, who was killed while riding her bike in Tremonton, Sept. 5, 2023. (Photo: Family)
BOX ELDER COUNTY — The family of a 17-year-old girl, killed while riding her bike early Tuesday morning, has released her identity as they ask for the community’s help. SoRaya Niesha Manakaja died after being struck by a garbage truck.
Manakaja’s mother, DeShawna Joe created a GoFundMe account, saying she appreciated the love she and her family had received in this hard time. The account is to help raise money for funeral expenses.
Tremonton City Police Chief Dustin Cordova said it was their policy not to release the identities of juveniles but confirmed the authenticity of the fundraiser account.
Manakaja was riding a bike around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday on 1500 W. Main Street when she was struck by the truck.
The Box Elder County School District confirmed Manakaja was a junior at Bear River High School.
Police are continuing to investigate the crash. They won’t disclose information about the driver of the truck until the investigation is completed.
Family and friends took to social media to share memories of Manakaja. One individual called the teenager “one of a kind and a beautiful soul, who will never be forgotten.”
Officials with the Box Elder School District said that school counselors will continue to be made available at the school to help students.
According to the GoFundMe account, the family is also accepting donations through Venmo or the Cash app. Joe wrote that all she wants is her “baby home and have a beautiful burial and service for her.”