Family asks for prayers after child nearly hanged on makeshift swing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An 11-year-old Charlotte girl is in the hospital after a freak accident while playing with friends.

T'kaiya Massey's family said she nearly hanged herself while playing on a makeshift rope swing in southeast Charlotte. Channel 9 spoke to her aunt who said the family needs the public's prayers.

T'kaiya is known for taking quite the impressive selfie and now, many people are praying to see her bright smile again soon.

The 11-year-old is fighting for her life after family members said she somehow got tangled in a rope and ended up hanging from a makeshift swing while playing with friends last week.

Her aunt Janesa Massey was one of the people who rushed to help her.

"She wasn't really breathing, so we just kept doing CPR until they were able to take over," she said.

Massey said T'Kaiya was conscious when paramedics arrived. Her mother said she is now in the ICU with swelling on the brain.

"I know she's a fighter and she's fighting hard," her aunt said.

That same message of hope is now growing on social media. There are several posts on a new Facebook page dedicated to praying for T'kaiya.
 
Her family appreciates the outpouring of support and continues to ask for prayers as T'Kaiya fights.

"He's proven each and every day that I am God and I'm doing this and He's showing us through her just to believe and have that faith and that's exactly what we're doing," her aunt said.

A local church hosted a community vigil for T'kaiya this week. Neighbors, classmates and staff from McCintock Middle School also attended. She will be starting the 7th grade there this year.

To help Massey's family with medical costs, click here.

WSOC