Girl Who Drowned Fondly Remembered For Hugs, Love Of Art

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A nine-year old Round Lake girl is being remembered by family and friends after she drowned earlier this week.

Fremont Elementary School teacher Regina Bielfieldt said many students were emotional when they learned about the death of Mireya Cardenas, who was known to her teachers and friends as Mia.

"They showed compassion for the situation," she said. "Many asked if they could send cards, or make her a card."

Mia was swimming with her family in Fox Lake when she went under and drowned on Tuesday night.

Bielfieldt said Mia was known for giving lots of hugs and being compassionate.

"When you would see Mia with friends, you could never tell her who best friend was because she was friends with everybody," Biefieldt said.

Because Mia loved to draw, teachers thought she would grow up to be an artist.

You can view some of her work by clicking on this link.