The State Patrol continued its investigation Monday into a car accident at a St. Louis Park holding pond that killed two children and left three others hospitalized.

It could be several weeks before investigators release details on what caused Marion Guerrido to drive off a ramp at Hwys. 100 and 7 about 6:15 a.m. Thursday and land in a frigid pond that was about 9 feet deep. She had dropped off her boyfriend at his new job and was on her way to take the children to school or day care.

Guerrido escaped, but the children were trapped underwater inside her car for more than 45 minutes. Police officers and firefighters rescued all of the children in 26 minutes.

Zenavia Rennie, 5, and Alarious Coleman-Guerrido, 7, both died Thursday. Five-year-old Amani Coleman-Guerrido and 1-year-old Aliyana Rennie remain hospitalized but have been able to recognize the voices of family members, said attorney and family friend Rick Petry.

"Although it is slow, they continue to make positive improvement," he said.

Petry said Monday evening that 6-year-old Zarihana Rennie also remains hospitalized, but that he did not have a firsthand update on how she's faring. Over the weekend, she was reportedly unresponsive.

Star Tribune, Star Tribune
Police investigate the scene where six people were rescued after their car went into a holding pond near the Hwy 100 exit ramp going northbound on Hwy 7, Thursday, November 21, 2013 in St. Louis Park, MN.

All four of the school-aged children in the car attended Odyssey Academy in Brooklyn Center, a K-8 charter school.

Funeral arrangements haven't been finalized. An online fund for the blended family of Guerrido, 23, and her boyfriend, Julius Rennie, stood at more than $15,000 on Monday, Petry said. He hopes to eventually raise $100,000 to pay for medical and funeral expenses.

To donate, go to strib.mn/I8nWMG. Or send donations to the Coleman-Guerrido Rennie Children's Fund, c/o Rick Petry, 301 4th Av. S., Suite 378N, Minneapolis, MN 55415.

A fund also has been set up at the workplace of Shaniece Thompson, mother of Zarihana and Zenavia. Donations to help her family are being accepted at ShopJimmy's Burnsville location.

"Folks are being very generous," Petry said. "On behalf of the family and me personally, we sure appreciate all the financial and emotional support. Prayers are being answered."

David Chanen • 612-673-4465