LETHBRIDGE, Alta. –
The village of Duchess is in mourning after a fatal collision in the United States claimed two of their lives over the long weekend.
Kyle, Darcy and Koye Larson of Duquesne, Alberta were making their way through South Dakota to pick up some recently acquired bulls when tragedy struck.
The family was traveling on Highway 18 just east of Colombe, South Dakota on the morning of July 3rd.
They were pulling a cattle trailer when police said their truck was hit head-on by another pickup truck that was crossing the center line.
Everyone in Larson’s car was wearing seat belts, but the impact of the crash was devastating for the family.
Darcy, 40, and her son, Koye, 14, died in hospital.
Kyle was airlifted to Sioux Falls Hospital where he remains with life-threatening injuries.
Three people in the other car had serious, non-life-threatening injuries, and a fourth had minor injuries.
Charges are pending against Justin Hurtado, 33, of Winner, South Dakota, the driver of the pickup truck.
TABER GOLDEN SUN
Koye played hockey for the Taber Golden Suns U15 team and the organization says his spirit will be sorely missed.
Koye played hockey for the Taber Golden Suns U15 team and a representative of the organization said his spirit will be sorely missed.
“He was full of wit,” said Kevin Serfas, president of the Golden Suns’ athletic association.
“He was the type of kid that got everybody moving in the locker room — he got laughs, maybe gave the coach a headache every now and then, but (he) just really enjoyed being there and being part of the group. “
Darcy is remembered as an amazing hockey mom and an incredible spirited woman loved by many.
Darcy is remembered as an amazing hockey mom and an incredible spirited woman loved by many.
“The thing that kept coming up was the fact that she was really, really full of life,” Serfas added.
“If you go to some of the Facebook greetings and things that are going on, you’ll see the same comment coming from hundreds of people.”
A crowdfunding effort is currently underway to raise $150,000 to help the family return Kyle home to their daughter Sage, who remained, as well as the bodies of Darcy and Coye.
Buck Christman, one of the auction’s organizers, says they’re not sure if the family had travel insurance, which could mean crippling medical bills.
In an email to CTV News, Christman said, “We’ve had an overwhelming response from the community, as well as many others, and we’re extremely grateful for all the support for the family.”
So far, nearly $20,000 has been raised through GoFundMe.
To give to the Larson’s, you can visit the GoFundMe that has been set up.
You can also go to the Larson Family Aid Auction on Facebook to bid or place an item yourself.
The for-profit auction runs until July 17.
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