Victims Of Wrong-Way I-15 Crash Remembered
TAYLORSVILLE, UTAH – July 12, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) –
There was a solemn ceremony in Taylorsville Sunday night as hundreds gathered at a local park to remember the victims of last week’s devastating wrong-way crash outside of Fillmore on I-15.
Three people, including the wrong-way driver, died in the accident. A fourth was critically injured.
The three best friends were also co-workers.
Jacob Martin, his brother, Clint Martin and Kaela Hernandez were on their way to a business meeting in Las Vegas when the accident happened.
Jacob and Kaela died instantly in the crash.
Clint was rushed to the ICU in critical condition.
Shortly before the accident, the trio posted a Facebook photo showing them at the start of their hopeful journey. It’s an image that’s been shared on social media thousands of times worldwide.
Sunday night, prayers and messages of hope were offered for all the victims and their families.
Julia Martin, Clint and Jacob’s mother, told those at the vigil Clint appears to have turned the corner and is expected to recover.
Throughout the week other family members posted social media messages, saying Clint was aware of what had happened and was being supportive of others despite his own injuries. They say one of his first concerns was the fate of the wrong-way driver who hit them head-on. Eighteen-year-old Jessie Wilkerson of St. George, Utah died one day after the crash.
Kaela Hernandez’s mother, Dena Rae Walker, also addressed to those who gathered. She spoke lovingly of her daughter’s love for life, her fierce determination, and the independent spirit which helped her earn a degree with honors from Utah Valley University. “She will always be my angel and my best friend,” she said.
Two memorial accounts have been set up to help the families. Those wishing to contribute can contact America First Credit Union.
