Lewiston, New York - Fun in the snow ended in tragedy when Renee Hill and her three-year-old cousin hurtled towards a tree while sledding.

The incident took place on February 6 in Clyde L. Burmaster Park in the town of Lewiston.

According to WKBW Buffalo, the 16-year-old Hill was sledding down a hill with her cousin when she realized that they were hurtling out of control towards a tree.

Hill's mother, Alexis Kraft, told the channel: "Her first instinct was to put her foot down and flip the sled, so my nephew wouldn't get hurt."

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But the teenager couldn't stop herself from crashing into the tree at a great speed.

Both she and the little boy were taken to the hospital after the accident. According to her mother, Hill's heart stopped during the ambulance ride and she was declared dead on the way.

At the hospital, her cousin was treated and later released. Alexis said,"Everyone's calling her a hero. But that was my baby."

Renee Hill was the oldest of four children. Her parents, Alexis Kraft and Richard Hill, said, "She was our whole world. She was a mama bear for sure. Everyone loved her." Renee's lacrosse coach, Joe Kiszka, described Renee as a strong leader that was quiet but intimidating. On the field, he said she was feared but off it, she was sweet.

A Gofundme page was set up to help the family with the funeral expenses. The target goal of $25,000 was already met and exceeded. As of Friday more than $29,000 has been raised. Renee's parents thanked the community for their support.

The park was temporarily closed after the accident and police are investigating the tragedy.