TAYLORSVILLE, Utah, Aug. 2, 2020 (Gephardt Daily) — The family of a toddler killed Tuesday in a freak auto-pedestrian accident in Taylorsville has released a statement.
The accident happened when the driver of a car swerved to avoid a dog and was reared-ended by a pickup truck.
The car was propelled onto a sidewalk where it slammed into a mother pushing a stroller with her twin daughters inside.
Hadley Marroquin, age 22 months, died at the scene. A GoFundMe account set up to help with funeral and medical costs identifies Hadley’s twin, Bethany, who was severely injured in the accident. Bethany remains in critical condition at Primary Children’s Medical Center, officials said.
The account identifies their mother, who also was badly injured, as Heather Marroquin.
The statement was given by Heather Marroquin’s uncle and the twins’ great-uncle, Bob Barney.
“This has been an unbelievable tragic event in the lives of our family,” Barney said. “It has been difficult to process and comprehend it in our minds. The loss of a precious 2-year-old family member is something no one should ever have to go through. We want to thank the neighbors and first responders who were on scene, that did all they could to save their lives.
“We want to thank family, friends and the community for the love, prayers and support, it has been incredible. We as a family feel it and truly appreciate it. Total strangers have come to the memorial to pay tribute and cry with us. The sincere good of people shines brightly through at times like this.
“Although painfully difficult, our faith and belief in eternal families is helping us through this difficult time. The road ahead for mom and her surviving twin will be long and full of challenges. We are grateful for the doctors and nurses, who cared for mom and baby. Your continued thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated. Thank you.”
The GoFundMe page says: “We have experienced a sudden and tragic loss on Tuesday July 28, 2020. Our dear friend Heather Marroquin, while daily walking her twin daughters in their stroller, was struck by a car. Sweet, 2 year old, Hadley returned Home to her Heavenly Father at the scene.”
Hadley’s twin sister, Bethany, was Life-Flighted to Primary Children’s Hospital, where she was rushed into surgery, according to the GoFundMe account.
“She will be facing more surgeries due to her extensive injuries,” the post said. “Heather was taken to IMC with injuries, treated and released herself early, to be with Bethany.”
The GoFundMe summary says Heather Marroquin is a single mother, now facing the loss of a child, funeral costs and hospital bills.
“We are all heartbroken and know there is a desperate need here. … We are trying to raise funds to help ease this burden,” the summary says.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so through the GoFundMe account, through VENMO by sending funds to @Melissa-Kasparian-1, or by donating to the Valley Park II Ward. Anyone choosing to donate to the ward should label the funds as intended for Heather, the statement says.
