An Indiana mother returning from a Girl Scout trip with a van full of children became the heartbreaking collateral damage of a man fleeing a Domestic Violence arrest.
Two diametrically opposing worlds literally collided on an Indiana highway recently, on the evening of Saturday, August 29th.
The aftermath of this unimaginable tragedy has left a community in shocked disbelief as they grapple to process the grief of the senseless loss of lives. That very real grief is balanced against concern and hope for the children who survived the evening's horrific accident following a terrific day for the children.
41-year-old Amanda Wertman had packed her van and loaded her 8-year-old daughter Michaela, and her 5-year-old son Theodore, for a Girl Scout outing at Holiday World.
8-year-old Oaklie Disney and Amelia Freeland, who were in the troop with Amanda's daughter Michaela, had joined the family for the day of fun and adventure.
As they set out that morning, they could have never imagined that an incident at a gas station involving strangers would upend the lives of the families of everyone inside of the van.
After an amazing day at Holiday World, Amanda managed to wrangle all 4 children into her van and begin the trek home.
As the loving mother set a course home down State Road 64, the man who would ultimately take her life was reportedly victimizing another woman along the very same roadway.
According to eyewitnesses and others in the community, a man and an unidentified female were involved in an altercation at the Country/Arthur Junction Gas Station. The situation quickly escalated, and the man allegedly physically @ssaulted the woman. Eyewitnesses identified Corey Stevens, who has not been named by law enforcement, as the man who was responsible for the altercation.
Official reports reflect that a gas station employee armed with a broom, attempted to intervene while the woman was being hit. The assailant reportedly physically assaulted the employee and argued with several patrons. During the chaos of the situation, someone had called 911.
As deputies with the Pike County Sheriff's Department descended onto the scene, the man stole the female victim's vehicle and fled.
Foreshadowing the tragedy ahead, the ensuing police chase began in a reckless manner. According to Indiana State Police the chase only lasted a few minutes. The man ran a vehicle off the road and nearly struck the deputy's vehicle as he fled the scene. Sadly, in a few short minutes, the man would unfortunately pay for his wrongdoings with his life... while taking the lives of Amanda and Michaela.
As the man sped down State Road 64 in the stolen Toyota Camry, he crossed over the center line and struck Amanda's mini-van head on.
The result was catastrophic and resulted in the closure of State Road 64, while first responders attempted to save the victim's lives.
The male driver was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Amanda Wertman was also pronounced deceased on the scene. 8-year-old Michaela Wertman was flown to a Louisville, Kentucky hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. She was pronounced deceased shortly after arriving.
5-year-old Theodore Wertman suffered significant injuries, but thankfully, he is recovering from his physical injuries. However, the loss of his mother and sister is a scar that will never heal.
Oaklie Disney was flown from the scene and admitted into a pediatric ICU. Oaklie faces a long road to recovery from severe injuries sustained in the crash.
Amelia Freeland was also flown from the scene. Amelia suffered injuries and has a lot of recovering to do both physically and psychologically following the incident. Thankfully, Amelia was able to go home with her parents recently after the traumatic evening.
This shocking and heartbreaking event has affected so many families and lives. We hope everyone who has suffered in any way due to the events of Saturday, August 29th, finds the healing they deserve.
GoFundMe's have been set up for all of the victim's families. We will share them in comments if anyone would like to help.
Pictured above: Oaklie Disney, Amanda Wertman, Amanda's children, Theodore and Michaela.
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