Family urges driver caution after crash kills mother, sister and injures disabled sibling
Nov 10, 2021, 3:17 PM | Updated: Nov 11, 2021, 7:39 am
AMERICAN FORK, Utah – The Keely family is mourning the loss of their 91-year-old mother, Nadine, and 66-year-old sister, Claudia Webb after they died in a crash on their way home from dinner Saturday night.
Another sister, Becky, who has cerebral palsy, suffered severe injuries in the accident near State and Main streets in American Fork.
“It’s just a left a big hole in our hearts that we will never get back,” Marianne Grasley said.
Grasley said losing her mother in such a tragic way left the family heartbroken. Her mother has 49 grandchildren and 71 great-grandchildren who she would send birthday cards every year.
She said, “I just felt like I was robbed of a little piece of saying goodbye to her.”
“It’s just a left a big hole in our hearts that we will never get back.”
A family loses a mother and sibling in a crash that severely injured their other sister who has cerebral palsy.
At 10:00, their message to drivers who are in a hurry @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/KnJNJzNcaR
— Ashley Moser (@AshleyMoser) November 10, 2021
Jim Keeley said his mother was a kind, selfless woman who cared for so many in her family and in the community through service. She often brought meals to families in need.
“She took care of everybody’s children and she loved them,” he said. “Wherever she went, she left a big footprint.”
First responders rushed her daughter Claudia to the hospital. She was driving.
Family members made the difficult decision to take Claudia off life support Tuesday.
“She was just a giver and if you knew her you were her friend instantly,” Marianne said about her sister.
Becky, who has cerebral palsy, is hospitalized and doctors already operated on her twice.
The family is now left with arranging care for their surviving sister who faces a long recovery.
“We are left in a rough spot,” Jim Keeley said. “Mom cared for her – her whole life. The family arranged for Claudia to be her caregiver when mom died.”
They said this accident served as a reminder to drive carefully. They were confident their mom and sister would be here today if drivers followed the rules.
“If we just slow down and obey the laws, that would be a good thing and be courteous of one another,” Jim said.
Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe* account to help with expenses as a result of the accident.
American Fork Police believe excessive speed played a factor in the crash. The driver has not been charged at this point, as they are still investigating.
*KSL-TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
