Athena Strand’s funeral service included a custom pink casket

WISE COUNTY, Texas — On Friday, a personal funeral service was held for Athena Strand in Bridgeport, Texas. 

Family and mates gathered to say their last goodbyes to the 7-year-old, who police say was kidnapped and killed by a contracted FedEx driver. 

The first grader’s mom, Maitlyn Gandy, shared publicly that the little lady was cremated after the service. 

She additionally shared that SoulShine Industries in Edna donated a custom-made casket for use through the service. 

The firm just lately made 19 custom caskets for the victims of the Robb Elementary capturing in Uvalde. SoulShine’s proprietor, Trey Ganem, additionally custom-made caskets for the Sutherland Springs capturing victims in 2017.

Ganem donated the casket to the household at no cost. It will stay with Gandy and function a reminiscence field for the household to put Athena’s issues inside.

Per Ganem, his firm can be engaged on a custom urn that can maintain Athena’s ashes.

“It’s not about just painting a casket– it’s about representing that loved one’s life,” Ganem mentioned. “This one hit me pretty hard because we think we’re safe — especially with someone bringing us packages. I don’t know how to comprehend what the family was going through, and it was really emotional for me.” 

The coloration of the casket is pink, which was Athena’s favourite coloration.

The prime of Athena’s casket comprises a princess crown with rhinestones — a image that her father has tattooed on considered one of his fingers that Athena favored is beneath. 

On the entrance of the casket are two Viking symbols. 

“One of the symbols means ‘father-daughter’ and then the other means ‘mother-daughter,'” Ganem mentioned.

Strand’s father participates in renaissance festivals, and the 7-year-old would typically tag alongside per Ganem. 

“The family wanted a ‘Viking Princess’-themed casket,” Ganem mentioned. “Athena had some cool pictures looking like a Viking — she had an axe and a huge shield. She was a daddy’s girl, for sure.” 

Athena’s identify can be on the entrance of the casket, and LED lighting is draped alongside the underside. 

Her photograph is positioned on the within of the lid. 

“It looks like the casket is floating,” Ganem mentioned. “It turned out beautiful. The hardest thing a parent has to do is pick out that casket. I don’t want that to be the hardest thing; I want that to be something that represents that child.” 

Gandy took to Facebook and thanked Ganem personally and Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home, the place the service was held. 

Wrote Gandy: “Jacob and I, as well as Athena’s entire family, would like to thank Trey with SoulShine Industries. You helped us capture our Viking Princess in a way we didn’t think possible. Trey and his wife are truly friends for life. You guys are very talented, kind, amazing humans  Athena looked very comfortable in her bed.”

Gandy informed WFAA that Athena’s favourite Disney songs have been performed through the service alongside her footage. 

The little lady was significantly keen on the film ‘Frozen.’ 

On Thursday, investigators made accessible arrest paperwork for the 31-year-old suspect Tanner Horner, who confessed to killing Strand after he mentioned he by chance backed into her whereas delivering a Christmas bundle to her rural residence in Paradise, Texas. 

Horner informed police that he panicked and strangled the little lady in worry of the implications that will come after backing into her. 

An post-mortem has been carried out, however the outcomes haven’t been returned. 

Horner is charged with capital homicide and aggravated kidnapping, and prosecutors and regulation enforcement have mentioned they’ll search the dying penalty. 

On Friday, the corporate that contracted Horner to work for FedEx, Big Topspin, Inc., didn’t present a remark to WFAA when requested for one about Horner’s employment.