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Remembering Sierra Newbold on her 7th birthday

Posted at 6:49 PM, Nov 08, 2012
and last updated 2012-11-08 23:10:03-05

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah - Community members gathered in South Jordan on Thursday to remember Sierra Newbold on what would have been her 7th birthday.

Sierra Newbold was found dead in a West Jordan canal in late June. Police say she was allegedly kidnapped, assaulted and killed by Terry Lee Black.

Community members gathered outside the Utah Dance Artists studio where Sierra took dance lessons as a tribute on what would have been her 7th birthday. They sang Happy Birthday and released balloons. Friends of the Newbold family say events like this can help everyone begin to heal.

"It's hard to put it into words but she loved everybody and she was a friend. To have the Newbolds allow us to do this for them has helped us to heal," said Irene Kennedy, a friend of the Newbold family.

The event also raised awareness and money for a tree dedicated to Sierra at this year's Festival of Trees. Proceeds from that tree will go to Primary Children's Medical Center.