Family, friends, and church members are shocked over the sudden loss of three St. Petersburg women, killed in a car crash in Desoto County Sunday night.

LaMour Welch, 29, India Welch, 24, and 18-year-old Tehira Welch were the daughters of a St. Petersburg pastor, who heads up Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ.

Family and friends gathered outside their church Monday for an impromptu prayer service.

"My brother called and said he needed me and I came, and when I got there he told me what happened and we just both cried," said uncle Clarence Skinner.

Skinner is mourning the loss of his nieces, who he said were all musically talented.

Florida state troopers say they died along with a friend, 25-year-old Antwayne Robinson from North Carolina, when a pickup truck hydroplaned on wet roads and veered in to their lane.

Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch is a family member.

"They set a great example for young people in our community and they lived a life that folks can look to as a great example for our young people," said Welch.

India would perform at events held by the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American museum. Her songs were meant to inspire.

"She was passionate about self-esteem for young women,” said Welch. “She had a concert here maybe a year ago called no fear, that she put on, and the whole purpose of that and some of her writings was to encourage young women to get through that difficult part of life."

Family members said Tehira Welch was still in high school and headed into her senior year.  LaMour leaves behind three children.

"We will make sure that those kids will grow up knowing about their parent, they'll be surrounded by family and love," said Skinner.

It’s a tragedy the family says they'll get through with prayer.

The driver of the pickup truck, a woman from Venus, was also was killed.  A 6-year-old from that truck is in critical condition at Tampa General Hospital.

Memorial services

The family has planned the following services for the women:

  • Thursday Aug 13, 6 p.m. - Community Choir rehearsal, Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ, 1137 37th St. S, St. Petersburg
  • Friday Aug 14, 6 p.m. - Music and Dance Celebration of Life (Wake) - Prayer Tower Church of God in Christ
  • Saturday Aug 15, 12 p.m. - Homegoing Service - Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3300, 31st St. S, St. Petersburg

In addition, Commissioner Ken Welch has established a GoFundMe account for the family: http://www.gofundme.com/welchangels

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