PRIEST RIVER — Lexi Minish would celebrate her 11th birthday on May 8, probably doing something outdoors with her family, as those are the things she loved.

At just 10 years old, however, the Priest River youth was killed in a car crash in Montana last summer as she, her grandmother and three cousins were on their way to go camping.

"Lexi loved doing things outdoors — she loved going hunting and fishing, kayaking and camping," said Lexi's mother, Leanna Minish, adding that Lexi also liked shooting her bow and she enjoyed sports. "Basketball was probably her favorite sport, and then she loved running."

Because of her love of running, the family is inviting the community to celebrate Lexi's birthday, though a few days early on May 5, by participating in a "Run to Remember Lexi" at Priest River Lamanna High School.

The event will be a one-mile walk or run on the track at the high school to honor Lexi, with a barbecue and balloon release to follow, Minish said.

"Lexi's favorite color was blue, so we are telling people if they want to wear blue, that would honor her as well," Minish said.

The run will start at 11 a.m. on May 5 at PRLHS. There is no cost for the event and the food and balloons will be provided. Everyone is welcome to attend, Minish said.

Lexi died in the crash along with her grandmother, Cynthia Boone, and 12-year-old cousin, Olivia Tavares. The crash occurred on July 28,2017, near Deer Lodge, Mont. According to news reports and the Montana Highway Patrol, Boone reportedly over-corrected when the vehicle went into the median for an unknown reason and the vehicle rolled before coming to a rest on its wheels. Lexi's other two cousins who were in the care were injured in the crash. Minish said the young girls are doing "really well" as they have healed from their injuries.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.