The tight-knit community of Little France, New York, and hearts across the state are enveloped in profound sorrow and collective heartbreak following the sudden and tragic passing of Delaney Black. A beautiful, vibrant little girl whose bright smile and joyful spirit brought endless light to her family, Delaney passed away following a horrific accident on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
In an agonizing twist of fate, her passing occurred just three days before what would have been her second birthday. Her departure leaves an unimaginable, catastrophic void in the lives of her parents, her four sisters, and an extensive network of extended family members who are now leaning heavily on their community and faith to survive the darkest chapter of their lives.
A Life of Boundless Joy Cut Unfairly Short
In Loving Memory of Delaney Black (2024 - 2026)
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Hometown Residence : Little France, New York
Date of Passing : Thursday, June 18, 2026 (Three days before her 2nd birthday)
Beloved Mother : Annie Sheldon
Beloved Father : Josh Black
Siblings : 4 Devoted Sisters
Fundraiser Organizer : Kathryn Sheldon (Maternal Relative)
Core Community Need : Emergency financial relief, funeral expenses, and prayer
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An Unimaginable Loss
Delaney was the cherished daughter of Annie Sheldon and Josh Black. Born in June 2024, she spent her two short years surrounded by the loud, protective, and unconditional love of her four older sisters. To her family, Delaney was a miracle—a little soul whose laughter filled their home and whose milestones were celebrated with immense pride.
On June 18, an unexpected, horrific accident took Delaney’s life instantly. The sudden nature of the tragedy has left her immediate family in a state of deep shock and paralyzing grief. As they try to process a reality without their youngest daughter, family members have come forward to ask for a massive shield of prayer and communal protection over Annie, Josh, and the girls.
Outpouring of Regional Love and Support
Following the news of the tragedy, cousins and extended relatives began mobilizing to establish a network of support for the grieving family. Expressing the deep sorrow of the extended family, cousin Holly May Dimperio shared a heartbreaking plea for support, remembering Delaney’s pure spirit:
“Prayers needed for my cousin and his family in their time of need. She was a beautiful little soul that I sadly only got to meet once. Delaney Black was so young, just shy of her second birthday, when she tragically passed away in an accident. Her family, including her mother Annie, father Josh, and her four sisters, are now facing an unimaginable loss. They could really use some support during this difficult time. Even if you can’t donate, a quick share can help this reach more people who may be able to help. Please consider sharing or donating if you can—every bit of support makes a difference.”
The Legacy Framework of Delaney's Memory
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[A Pure Soul] ---> Remembered for a radiant, innocent light that touched everyone.
[A Sister's Bond] ---> Permanently woven into the hearts of her four older sisters.
[A Town's Compassion] ---> Uniting the Little France community in radical giving and love.
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The GoFundMe Mobilization: Helping the Black & Sheldon Families
No parents should ever have to prepare a final resting place for their toddler, let alone calculate the unexpected, crushing financial costs that accompany such a tragedy. To ensure that Annie and Josh can focus entirely on emotional survival, physical healing, and guiding their four surviving daughters through this trauma without the added burden of financial panic, a formal GoFundMe Fundraiser has been established.
The campaign is directly managed by Kathryn Sheldon, the designated family organizer from Little France, New York.
Emergency Family Fund Parameters: Delaney Black Memorial
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Campaign Organizer ---> Kathryn Sheldon (Little France, NY)
Primary Benefactors ---> Annie Sheldon, Josh Black, and their 4 daughters
Direct Allocations ---> High-end memorial services, counseling, and daily living relief
Actionable Request ---> Financial contributions or public network shares
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The fund aims to completely cover the comprehensive funeral home fees, burial sanctuary costs, and specialized counseling infrastructure required to support the four sisters. The community has responded with immediate, touching generosity, but the path ahead remains exceptionally long.
Remembrances and Continuity
While official schedules regarding the public visitation windows, child-centered celebration of life agendas, and graveside committal services remain under private development by the family, the Little France community is currently planning small candlelight vigils to honor Delaney on what would have been her second birthday.
The Sheldon and Black families have expressed their profound gratitude for the sudden influx of messages, hot meals, financial contributions, and digital shares. They ask that the community continue to hold them close in thought in the grueling months ahead.
Delaney Black was on this earth for only a brief season, but the depth of a life’s impact is never restricted by its chronological length. Her innocent laughter, her beautiful soul, and the unquenchable light she brought to her parents and sisters will remain safe and cherished in their hearts forever. May this precious little angel rest in perfect, eternal, and beautiful peace.