Family friends said that Missy Darnell and her five children were just starting to smile again after the sudden death of the family patriarch, Kirk, eight months ago.

Then tragedy struck again.

Missy and two of her children were walking along Antelope Woods Road on Monday night when a car struck two of the three, killing both Missy and her 9-year-old daughter, Genevieve.

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The driver of the car was allegedly reaching into her back seat for a water bottle and could not stop when she saw the trio in front of her car.

The Acton community is in shock, but is responding to help Missy’s four remaining children, between the ages of 8 and 19, who were orphaned after Monday’s tragic accident.

The funeral is Monday, but local CHP officers have organized a charity car wash on Saturday to help the family. The car wash will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the McDonald’s restaurant parking lot, 3750 Sierra Highway in Acton.

Antelope Valley Bank in Acton is serving as a central location for donations; checks can be made out to Nick Darnell until the official trust/memorial fund is established.

Services for the mother and daughter are scheduled at 1 p.m. Monday at St. John De La Salle Church, 16555 Chatsworth Street in Granada Hills.

A Celebration of Life reception and pot luck will be held following the services; family and friends will gather at 3 pm at Vincent Hill Station, 553 West Sierra Hwy. in Acton. All are welcome. The event will include live music by Morning Wood and John Spears with Runaway Train and others. Any donations will be graciously accepted at the door. They will also be collecting non-perishable food and drinks and gift cards for clothes for the children.