Schools prepare for new semester, but one mom’s heart has been ripped away
It’s the end of summer, and thousands of moms are preparing to send their children back to school. Education is, of course, an important part of any child’s upbringing, but sadly, the Crustner family won’t experience that again.
Just moments after little Payton Crustner posed for a photo that would mark her first day in fourth grade, disaster struck with devastating consequences.
Payton died after being involved in a terrible car accident. According to Houston KHOU TV, the picture of her, proudly posing with a sign, was taken just 10 minutes before the accident.
The authorities say that 18-year-old Marcus Wayne Dukes was driving on the highway when he turned left and veered into oncoming traffic. He collided with the car being driven by 32-year-old Miranda Michelle Clark. In Miranda’s backseat were three children: 9-year-old Payton, her 16-year-old brother and an unidentified 3-year-old.
Payton was thrown out of the car during the accident and declared dead at the scene. The authorities say that Mirada was driving with a seat belt, but Payton only had a lower belt on, one that failed to keep her safely strapped in. Marcus Dukes, Payton’s brother and the unidentified 3-year-old weren’t wearing seat belts.
Those involved in the collision were rushed to hospital, with Payton’s teen brother still in critical condition. Fortunately, the other three involved left hospital with only minor injuries.
A family member has since started a collection on Facebook, with all donations going to funeral expenses for Payton and treatment for her brother. Thus far, almost $18,000 has been raised.
This tragic story is a reminder of how important it is to wear seat belts, both in the front and back seats of a car. Seat belts can be the most important safety feature in a car and can save lives.
