METHUEN, Mass. -- A Lawrence mother, struggling to cope with an unimaginable tragedy, has a heartfelt message for parents Friday -- always know where your children are playing.

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Pam Cross Reports On Death

NewsCenter 5's Pam Cross reported that Carol LeBrasseur is mourning her 10-year-old daughter, Natalie. The little girl was playing in a pile of leaves with a friend Wednesday evening, when a pickup truck driven by her father rolled over them.

"They were just two happy little girls, playing in the leaves. We never ever thought this would happen to them," said LeBrasseur.

To say LeBrasseur is heartbroken only begins to describe her attitude, Cross said. She is filled with sorrow, but she's not angry at the driver who ran over and killed her daughter, Natalie's dad, James Gravel.

"No, no I'm not (angry at him). It was a terrible, terrible accident," she said.

Natalie and Meredith Reed, 8, were rushed to the hospital. Meredith, the daughter of James Gravel's girlfriend, is in critical condition.

Natalie's uncles and aunt describe her as a fun loving girl who liked to play tricks.

"There's no way at all my brother-in-law could have known she was under those leaves," said Natalie's uncle, David Sousa.

"This is too much of a tragedy considering we were a very close family," said Mary Sousa, Natalie's aunt.

"(She) always had a smile, 'Hi, uncle.' Hug and a kiss and say, 'Hi' to them," said Arthur LeBrasseur, Natalie's uncle.

Police have called the death on the quiet street a tragic accident. Natalie's mother had tears and a word of warning to other parents.

"I just want other families to understand the dangers at night time, playing in the leaf piles. They can't be seen, they're camouflaged in the leaf piles," she said. "Watch your children."

Natalie's older sister and young brother are receiving counseling.