‘Just heartbreaking,’ Community sends flowers to honor16-year-old daughter killed in E-bike accident

CENTRAL CITY, Neb. (KLKN) – In the wake of unimaginable loss, the communities surrounding the Ackerson family have found ways to show support after the passing of 16-year-old Payton Lorrainne Ackerson.

Ackerson died on Sept 6. after an ebike accident, according to her obituary from the Solt-Wagner Funeral Home.

Flourish Floral, a small flower business in Central City, Nebraska, says they’ve received countless orders for flowers to honor a bright and cheery teen gone too soon.

The store’s 22-year-old owner Fallon Wells, a young girl herself, told Channel 8 on Wednesday that making floral arrangements is a way to present beauty in the midst of sadness.

Adding that it’s also a reflection of how the community is coping with this tragedy.

“At such a young age and something happens like that, and closer to my age too, it’s just heartbreaking,’ said Wells.

“You put yourself in their shoes and [think] how on earth? If this were to happen to my family, my sibling… it’s just awful,” she said.

Since Ackerson’s passing, Wells says the community has been coming together.

“Something that’s so hard, like a funeral service, flowers are the beauty of something so sad. I think everyone wants that for her too.
They want that for their family,” she said.

“[It’s] something that I feel so grateful to be able to do for them as well and all of the surrounding floral shops too. Everyone’s getting orders,” said Wells.

Some of the arrangements she’s been asked to make, came with a lot of direction, such as ‘to use bright colors’ to reflect Ackerson’s bright personality as a volleyball star, beloved daughter, sister and friend.

Other orders gave Wells free rein to make the bouquets as she sees fit; a job Wells takes seriously.

“It is a big deal and everyone knows about it. Everyone is sending their thoughts and their feels for this family, even if they don’t know them and it brings that connection a little bit closer, and it makes you stop and pause and think about life a little bit more. Every day isn’t guaranteed, so you just need to be thankful,” she said.

Katie Reeves, an employee at Flourish Floral, gave Channel 8 a special message for the Ackerson family.

“As we make these arrangements for this service, our hearts and souls really truly go into these pieces. As a mom, it’s heartbreaking to know that this family has lost a daughter and we truly want to do our best to fulfill the orders and do the best for the family,” said Reeves.

The funeral service for Payton Lorrainne Ackerson is being handled by the Solt-Wagner Funeral home.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 11 from 5 – 7pm at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clarks, Nebraska.

Ackerson’s funeral will also take place at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10am.

Please note that various community members are fundraising to help support the Ackerson family.

Channel 8 has been made aware of the following: Payton’s Paws, A Latte Coffee, and the Ackerson Family GoFundMe.