A devastating storm that swept through Kalamazoo County, Michigan, on Sunday, March 30, has left a family shattered after three children were killed when a tree fell on their van. The victims, aged 2, 4, and 11, were traveling with their family to visit a relative when the incident occurred on East S Avenue and 47th Street in Climax Township. The two youngest children were siblings, while the oldest was their cousin.
The community has rallied around the family, establishing a GoFundMe campaign that has raised nearly $32,000 by the afternoon of Tuesday, April 1. The fundraiser, organized by Amanda Bailey, the aunt of the deceased children, aims to support the family through this tragic loss. Bailey expressed the community’s sentiment, writing, “3 little lives gone, just like that.” She added, “No amount of money will ever make up for the losses they have suffered.”
Sheriff Richard Fuller described the incident during a news conference, stating that the tree fell onto the van without warning, causing extensive damage. The children were from Branch County, and their family was traveling when the severe weather hit. Three other family members were injured in the accident but were reported to be in stable condition.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office has chosen not to release the names of the victims out of respect for the family’s privacy. A representative from GoFundMe confirmed that the fundraiser is verified, having checked the organizer’s relationship with the family. The family has declined to speak with the media at this time.
As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, the outpouring of support for the family serves as a testament to the impact the children had on those around them. The GoFundMe page features photos of the children, capturing their joyful spirit and the memories they leave behind.
