Teen dies after horseback riding accident

Gaston County, NC--(FOX 46)--A 15-year-old Gaston County girl severely injured after a horseback riding accident Saturday has died, Carolinas Healthcare System confirmed Monday morning.

Destiny Stafford was riding Saturday when she was thrown from her horse and kicked in the head. She was transported to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte and placed on life support. She was pronounced brain dead early Monday morning and her family intends to donate her organs, her mother said on Facebook Monday.

Hundreds gathered Sunday night outside Stuart Cramer High School, where Stafford would have started the tenth grade in August. She was previously co-caption of the Junior Varsity cheerleader squad.

"Our entire school family is deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic loss of one of our students," the Gaston County School systems said in a released statement. "Our thoughts are with her family during this very difficult time."

Since Saturday, supporters have been posting to Twitter using the hashtag #destinystrong. A memorial fund has been created in her honor.