Funeral planned Saturday for family killed in Chunky Halloween crash
Published 11:15 am Wednesday, November 2, 2016
- Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarCandy scattered alongside the road at the site of the accident in Chunky.
A funeral for the Shaver family who were killed in Monday’s Halloween crash in Chunky is scheduled at noon Saturday at the Newton County Funeral Home South location on 100 Old Hwy 15 Loop in Newton.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon.
The truck and trailer collision killed mother Kristina Shaver, 33, and her two daughters: Brooklyn Shaver, 2, and Baylie Shaver, 8, while they were trick-or-treating Monday night. Seven other family members were injured.
Daughter McKenzie Shaver, 7, survived the crash and is in critical condition at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, according to hospital officials.
Kerry Shaver, the husband and father, died July 30.
Crash survivors Melissa Cook, 32; Chloe Cook, 7; Kaitlyn Cook, 9; and Bryson Cook, 3 are receiving medical treatment at UMMC.
At Wednesday night’s prayer vigil at Chunky Baptist Church, Stephanie Wright, a friend of the family, provided an update on those hospitalized.
Wright said Melissa Cook, 32, had some bleeding in her brain as well as a broken shoulder, sternum and several ribs. Wright reported that Melissa is 19 weeks pregnant and the baby is in good condition.
Chloe Cook, 7, is using a ventilator and a chest tube but is responding well. She suffered a broken femur and needed blood transfusions, Wright said.
Kaitlyn Cook, 9, suffered a broken eye socket, sinus cavities and elbow.
Wright reported that Bryson Cook, 3, had a broken wrist and had an MRI on his neck. Doctors concluded from the MRI that he probably suffered from whiplash.
McKenzie Shaver suffered two broken femurs as well as a broken pelvis, Wright reported.
Wright said Adam Smith, a 17-year-old cousin, is seeking medical treatment at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian for a broken femur and tibula. He had surgery Monday night.
Brianna Cook, 10-year-old daughter of Melissa, received treatment for her concussion at Anderson Regional Medical Center and was released, Wright said.
A Gofundme has been set up by Bridgett Hines Hitt of Chunky under ‘Hayride Tragedy’ to support the families affected by the crash. Donations will benefit grandparents Terry and Linda Smith for memorial services as well as medicinal and travel expenses, according to the description.
The crash remains under investigation. According to Staff Sgt. Andy West, of the Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop H, investigators were to begin mapping the scene for reconstruction Wednesday. The process could take up to two weeks, he said.