Miranda Vargas, 'beautiful, gentle soul,' identified as 10-year-old victim in NJ bus crash

Miranda Vargas, described by family as a "beautiful, gentle soul," was identified Friday as the 10-year-old fifth grader from Paramus who lost her life in a horrific bus crash on Route 80 Thursday, a family member confirmed.

Miranda was on the bus for a class field trip to Waterloo Village, a historic Sussex County site that commemorates the Morris Canal, when the school bus she was in was involved in an accident with a dump truck.

East Brook Middle School teacher Jennifer Williamson also died as a result of the crash.

"We are devastated that our Baby's life here with us is over, but we will always carry her legacy with us forever," wrote Miranda's aunt, Carolyn Arriaga, on a GoFundMe page created to raise money for expenses. "She was a beautiful, gentle soul with a passionate love for her family."

Miranda's family declined to comment when reached by phone on Friday, instead referring to the online accounts.

Miranda, who has a twin sister, is the daughter of Joevanny and Lorena Vargas, according to the listing at the Marrocco Memorial Chapel. Officials at the funeral home also confirmed Miranda's identity.

"Her smile was contagious and that is how we will forever remember her," Arriaga wrote.  

Visiting hours will be held at the chapel on Colfax Avenue in Clifton from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The funeral service for Miranda will be held Monday at 9:30 a.m.

Paramus Mayor Richard LaBarbiera posted on Facebook a memorial service will be held Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady Visitation on 234 N. Farview Ave. in Paramus.

More on Paramus bus crash

Community grieves:Paramus grieves as 'many' passengers released from hospital 

The crash:School bus driver in fatal crash was making U-turn on median, source says

Original story:Student, teacher killed in Paramus school bus crash on Route 80