On April 7th 2018, a family’s car collided with an SUV. There were five children inside with their parents, but only four of the kids survived the crash. In short, the fatal accident rendered the four children orphans, and they lost their two-month old sister as well. Now, they are relying on each other for strength in their healing process. Their great aunt says they are doing well, despite the great loss they have endured.
Siblings heal together
Karisa Clemens, 29, and her husband Jim Clemens, 31, were traveling back home with their five children on April 7th 2018. Their fun day out ended with tragedy. Their car collided with an SUV, killing both parents and their two-month-old baby girl. Four of the children barely survived.
According to reports, Jim Clemens lost control of their family Chevrolet and it went straight into oncoming traffic on Highway 87 half a mile south of Sterling City, Texas. They crashed into an SUV being driven by a mother and her one-year-old son. Unfortunately, both were said to have been severely injured, as well as her one-year-old son. However, they managed to survive. The four siblings who survived were now rendered orphans from the accident. Angela, now 12 years old, Zachary, 9, Wyatt, 8, and Nicholas, 6, were transported to the hospital where they were not able to see each other.
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The orphaned sibling’s injuries
Zachery was five years old at the time of the accident, and was only able to visit his sister’s bedside over two weeks after the crash. A touching picture was shared that showed Zachery lying in bed with his sister holding her hand. They both had a neck brace on, and scratches covered their faces.
The oldest of the siblings, Angela was eight years old when her family’s car crashed. She sustained some brain damage and was in a coma. Thankfully, she woke up from that not long after and started regaining use of her body. Karisa’s aunt, Teresa, who is the now orphans’ great aunt, said: “she began to speak and she could use her body parts — she could move her body. You don’t think about it, but that’s all about the brain. I was there, where I was laying in bed with her and I was reading a story and I realized her eyes were moving with me. So, I pointed to a line, and she read it back to me, so it was just to us, as a family, awesome.”
“Wyatt was paralyzed on the left side, but within a month of the accident he was climbing the walls … he was just doing great. You can still see a little drooping a little bit on his cheek, but he’s doing wonderful,” said Theresa.
At last, the three siblings, Angela, Zachery, and Wyatt were reunited on Saturday 28th April. All three were in wheelchairs, but they held each other’s hands tightly. Their youngest remaining brother, Nicholas, has already been released from the hospital.
Read: Mom Gave Birth To 4th Child And Died Just 5 Days Later
A fundraiser for the orphans
Teresa set up a fundraiser on Facebook in honor of the orphaned siblings, her great nephews and nieces. She wrote: “My niece, Karisa Clemens and her husband Jim, along with their five precious children were in a fatal car accident as they returned home from a family outing, on Saturday, April 7, 2018. The accident killed, Jim, Karisa and their new born baby, Julieanna.
“Two of their children, Wyatt (4 years old) and Angela, ( 8 years old) are still in critical condition, and Zachary 5 years old) has been stabilized, but is in the ICU. Nicholas (2 years old) has been released. The children will need extensive care for many months. Furthermore, we are seeking funds to help with the funeral arrangements and for medical care of these sweet little children. Thank you for your help and for your faith and prayers as we try to support this special family.”
The fundraiser has been closed, but last year they posted a tribute to the orphan’s parents and youngest sister. In the video, the children sang a song to their lost family. “It’s been three years from the time of the accident,” read the post. “As we reflect upon this time of year how grateful we are for the gospel of Jesus Christ Our Savior Jesus Christ, for the knowledge that he lives! It’s through his sacrifice that has made it possible for us to live again as a family together forever. Angela, Zachery, Wyatt & Nicholas Clemens we miss you mom and dad and Julianna.”
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Sources
- “Texas Siblings Who Lost Parents and Sister in Car Crash Are ‘Doing Wonderfully’ Months Later.” People. Lindsay Kimble. November 26, 2018
- “Siblings Who Survived Crash That Killed Parents & Baby Sister Recovering with Each Other’s Support.” People. Caitlin Keating. April 30, 2018
- “Orphaned siblings hold hands in heartbreaking photo taken as they see each for first time since crash killed parents.” Mirroruk. Charlotte Neal. Apr 28, 2018.
- “Young Siblings Reunite Three Weeks After Surviving Car Crash That Killed Their Parents and Sister.” People. Caitlin Keating. April 27, 2018