Our family is shattered by the sudden loss of our sweet Kota. 
My name is Ally Hodges (Reid) and I am one of Dakota’s older sisters.
I don't think I can adequately put into words what he meant to all of us, but I will try.
He has been our wild child since the day he was born, always our little trouble-maker. His heart was pure and unyielding. He had a smile of gold that lit up every room and warmed even the coldest heart.  Everyone who met him instantly fell in love with him. From the day that he was born and the first time that we held him, he was absolutely perfect.
I remember the day that our dad rubbed Valerie's belly and told me that the little brother that I always wanted was in there. I remember our walks in the park and picking honeysuckles. I remember him curling up in my lap and hugging me and telling me how much he loved me.
I called our older brother, Westley, for help with this, as I sit hundreds of miles a way waiting to get home to you, because I honestly didn't know what to say.  He wanted to say this:
"That kid had a smile of gold. Even when he was a baby. I remember the first time I held him. He was perfect.
Just like he will be the next time I see him in God's kingdom. I love you Dakota." 

We all love you Kota. We all wish that we could hear your voice and see your smile one last time. We want to hug you and kiss you and beg you to stay. We want you to know that we love you, and that we will meet again one day. 

He was taken from us too soon, riding in a car with his friend home from school. They were t-boned by a car going over 60 MPH. Just like that, our brother was gone.

Given our sudden loss, our family is asking for donations so that we can give our angel the proper funeral and burial that he deserves and also to help cover his medical bills. It doesn't have to be a lot, even the smallest bit will help and we are so thankful for anything that your heart tells you to give. 

The funds will be withdrawn by my dad, John Reid, and used at the discretion of our family in our plans to take care of Dakota’s funeral/memorial, and medical bills. I will start withdrawing some of the donations on Saturday, January 26th, to cover the initial costs of his funeral services and memorial.

Please feel free to continue donating even after Saturday. Our family is so grateful to all of you for all of the kind words, love, and generosity that we have been receiving.

We ask that you pray for our family, and for our Kota in this difficult time. God bless you.