By Mike Weland
A Moyie Springs man, 61, is in the hospital today, paying the price for being in a hurry to get somewhere south on a road just changed with the season. Impatient, he allegedly pushed his faithful blue 2011 Dodge Ram into the northbound lane, passing several cars, until meeting a black 2008 Ford Edge head on.
Two Washington women, both 33, including driver Amanda, traveling north on US 95 at about 8:35 a.m., are in the hospital as well, as is Patrick, one of two children in the car.
The other child, dark-eyed Amelia with her beautiful impish smile filled with such joy and promise, succumbed to her injuries at the scene, her first day of kindergarten, one of her happiest challenges, now her legacy, one of the memories that will both uplift and break the hearts of those she traveled with this morning, as well as those to whom she waved goodbye and those who waited to greet her only to face deepening concern.
“We are heartbroken and overwhelmed by the weight of this loss and the challenges ahead,” Amanda’s brother Phillip Siers wrote in establishing a GoFundMe account to help lay Amelia to rest and to bring back to life Patrick and Amanda.
“Amanda and her son have a long road to recovery, and the medical bills for their surgeries and care are already mounting. In addition, the cost of three ambulances to transport them from the scene of the accident, coupled with the arrangements we must now make to honor Amelia’s memory with the dignity she deserves, is beyond what our family can bear alone.
“We humbly ask for your support during this incredibly difficult time. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help us cover the emergency medical expenses, ongoing care for Amanda and Patrick, and the funeral costs for Amelia.
“Your generosity and prayers mean the world to us as we navigate this heartbreak. We are so grateful for your compassion and kindness in helping our family during this time of immense need.”
— END —