CLEVELAND, UTAH – August 18, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – A small community has come together for a family whose life suddenly took a tragic turn after an accident took the life of a wife and mother along with her 7-year-old son on SR-6 Sunday afternoon.
Family, friends and strangers are making sure the survivors of the accident, Landon Jacobson, 38, and his son Bowdie, 16, along with the rest of their family, somehow get through this tragedy.
Bowdie, a junior at Emery High School, is a member of both the Emery High Varsity basketball team and the rodeo team. The Jacobson family is an active part of the rodeo community.
Waves of disbelief are rocking the community as members try to cope with the loss of Landon’s wife and Bowdie’s mom Heather, 38, and their son/brother Broc in a fatal accident in Spanish Fork Canyon Saturday.
AÂ statement posted by the Emery Rodeo Team said: “Words cannot express the feelings and emotions this tragedy has brought on our amazing little rodeo family. Week after week God grants us the opportunity to load up the rigs and travel up and down the highways with our families and the best four-legged friends anyone could ask for. Any time tragedy like this strikes we are just reminded how much we cherish each and every moment we spend competing in this sport we love as families, and the forever friendships that we make. Phone calls, notes, and expressions of love and concern have been pouring in from all over the state. As we hope and pray each day for good news and progress for Bowdie and Landon’s recovery, we struggle to comprehend their loss.”
Grady and Misty Taylor, who are helping with fundraising efforts said in a post: “The outpouring of support and love from so many is absolutely astounding. We just want the Jacobson family to know they are not alone in this and that the rodeo community pulling strong together can help.”
The Uintah Basin rodeo club is holding a fundraiser this Friday and Saturday in Vernal at the high school rodeo as well as an online fundraising raffle that has been set up to help support the family.
Additionally the rodeo team stated: “So it would seem the sadness just keeps building. Yet, some way, somehow, we get up and go on. God is good. Life is a gift, enjoy it.
“Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high. Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky. And live like you ain’t afraid to die, and don’t be scared, just enjoy the ride.”
Landon Jacobson was pulling a horse trailer with three horses in it behind his Dodge 3500 with his wife Heather and his two sons Bowdie and Broc, when a Dodge Intrepid turning onto SR-6 from SR-89 pulled out in front of them. Mr. Jacobson attempted to avoid a collision by moving left but the pickup and horse trailer t-boned the Intrepid causing the pickup to go off the side of the road and land off the embankment. Heather Jacobson, who was in the front passenger seat and her son Broc who was in the right rear passenger seat both sustained fatal injuries. Mr. Jacobson and his son Bowdie both survived and were taken to the hospital in serious to critical condition.
Janie Jacobson posted a condition on both Landon and Bowdie Tuesday morning. “Landon’s CT scan looks good this morning. He is stable. They will wait a few more days where he will seem the same but the Dr. says they are pleased with how well he is doing. His swelling has gone down quite a bit in his face. Bowdie is eating better now and is able to hold down some food. please keep praying that Landon’s brain will heal. Thank you everyone for all your love and messages and prayers.”
The driver of the Intrepid, Amelia Allan, 25, of Provo, survived with critical injuries. In an update on Amelia Allan Facebook, Amelia’s mom indicated she is improving. “Amelia is off the ventilator, breathing on her own. She was able to talk with her dad on the phone for a couple of minutes. She doesn’t remember anything about the accident thought she was having a horrible dream when she woke up in the hospital. Bad news along with the broken left arm she has nerve damage to it, several broken ribs, contusions on her lungs and head, she will need lots of physical therapy with her arms.”
Two of the three horses involved in the accident have been attended to and are under the care of a veterinarian. The owners of the third horse made the difficult decision to have her put down.
I lost my third son to a accident similar to this one in December. If the young woman was on the phone, texting, or just plain not paying attention, then she will have to live with the consequences of this accident and deaths for the rest of her life. The same thing is what caused the wreck that took Jeff from us. The young man who caused the wreck knows it was his fault Jeff is gone.
To Landon and Bowdie, words can be said, but the hurt never leaves. I am so sorry you lost your wife, mother, son and little brother. Now on top of all of that, we learn you also lost your friend, Bowdie. Your four legged friend, the mare. So very sorry! Before I wrote this, I look out the window this morning as my son, a team roper is feeding his mare and geldings and think of you. It does not matter that they are animals, they are still part of your family.
They say life goes on, but it sure does hurt to know your loved ones will not be there to touch you, laugh with you, to give hugs, and to talk with you. Just know you are thought about constantly and are loved by people you do not even know. Please do your best to follow your doctor’s orders, get well, and do as we do, just keep moving forward and know someday you all will be a complete family again.
Dear Family, please know that as I sit here and pray for the members that are still with you, I also grieve for the ones who have gone to Heaven before you. I just can’t imagine the pain and hurt you are going through. Please lean on the Lord and He will take care of you in your darkest hours and deepest needs. Take care of your family now, they need you more than ever. God Bless you all.