New York State Police are investigating an accident that killed three people Wednesday, including a mother and daughter from Bridgeport.

State police say Jesenia Valentin, her 9-year-old daughter and her 14-year old niece ran out of gas and were in the right hand driving lane when they were hit by a tractor-trailer on I-84 in Orange County Wednesday.

The family of Valentin tells News 12 Connecticut that she was a gifted artist who was absolutely devoted to her family. The family says they are so grief stricken following the triple fatality that they are having a hard time holding back the tears.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help pay for the funerals of all three loved ones.