BELTON, Texas – Family and friends of 13-year-old Esmay Lopez are mourning her death.

The South Belton Middle School student died last Friday. Her family says she had a sudden asthma attack while playing with her brothers.

“She was outside running around just like a normal kid, and then she got outwinded. And next thing we know, she just couldn’t grasp for air anymore. And we tried our best to help her out as much as we could, and God took it in his hands from there,” says Esmay’s father Richard Lopez.

The parents tried to give her medicine, but say the asthma attack was too sudden for the nebulizer to take effect.

They called 9-1-1, and First Responders did everything they could to save the girl’s life. But she was too far gone, according to family.

“No parent ever wants to lose their child. It’s been really hard. It’s been a struggle. I mean, it’s still fresh,” Richard says.

They have set up a GoFundMe account to cover funeral costs. Here is a link if you would like to help.

Belton ISD Acting Superintendent Dr. Robin Battershell released this statement about Esmay’s untimely death:

“Esmay Lopez will always be remembered as a sweet and caring young lady who was loved by her peers. She was an involved and dedicated student, serving as her campus mascot. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Esmay’s family, her friends, classmates and all those in our community who were blessed to know this young lady.”

Dr. Robin Battershell
BISD Acting Superintendent

The family says the outpouring of support from the community has made this huge hit bearable.

“We are so thankful and so overwhelmed as far as how the community has come together for Esmay, and just to see how many people’s lives she touched with her smile and her personality, and just to see that we were able to share her with everybody is amazing,” says Sarah Lopez, Esmay’s aunt.

Asthma is no stranger to the Lopez family. Several family members have been living with the condition most of their lives.

“If you are a person that struggles with asthma, or your children struggle with asthma, definitely seek out your resources. And so, what you can to make sure you are proactive, because within seconds we lost Esmey, and it was very hard, very hard. And we wouldn’t like to see anyone go through that again,” Sarah says.

Esmay’s viewing service will be held Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and her funeral will be held this Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Both events will be held at Belton First Nazarene on 1701 Sparta Road.

People are encouraged to wear the color red for the funeral.

A potluck will be held directly after her funeral, where folks can bring food at Bo’s Barn on 4984 FM-93 in Temple.

On Sunday, the family is celebrating Esmay’s life with a benefit across from the Bell County Expo Center at the Expo Quik Stop on 308 W Loop 121 from 1:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.

There will be food, an auction, horseback riding, and music.

People are encouraged to wear the color blue, and all the proceeds will help Esmay’s family with funeral expenses.

“She touched so many lives. Not just here in Belton, in Temple, Salado, Academy – just all over. Everyone has reached out. I didn’t even realize so many people knew my baby. I really didn’t. But she really has touched so many lives all around us. It’s overwhelming. It’s amazing. I’m just honored to have been her mom,” says Jessica Lopez, Esmay’s mother.

People are also encouraged to use the hashtag #longliveesmay to help keep her memory alive.