ST. LOUIS COUNTY — A mother was getting ready for her daughter's first day of school, but now she's planning her funeral.
Her only child, Deniya Johnson, drowned Saturday in the Meramec River at Castlewood State Park.
Deniya's friend's mother, Rose Shaw, drowned too.
Deniya's family is devastated. They said more needs to be done to make the river safer so that no family has to experience a tragedy like this again.
Deniya's grandfather describes her as a beautiful, happy 12-year-old girl who was excited for the first day of school.
Deniya's mother created a GoFundMe page. If you would like to contribute, click here.
