A neighbor of a former Emporian who died in a car crash on Kansas Highway 268 near Pomona Lake on April 27 is rallying to help the surviving family members re-build their lives.
Rebekah Davidson, 35, of Quenemo earned her nursing degree from Flint Hills Vocational Technical School in 1993, according to her April obituary.
Davidson’s vehicle was struck by a van driven by Charles Campbell, which crossed the center line of Kansas Highway 268 in Osage County, about 35 miles south of Topeka. The Associated Press reported that Campbell had heart problems and lost control. Troopers said Campbell, 63, was driving about 65 mph and left no skid marks. Campbell’s wife and their 1-year-old grandson also died in that crash.
The only survivor of the crash was 5-year-old Abraham Davidson. His mother and sister Nora, 2, died.
The Davidsons, David and Becky, have two other children, Josie, 13; and David Kyle, 9.
“The kids appear to be coping better than their father,” said neighbor Glenda Stokes. “The older two children have returned to school.”
Stokes said the Davidsons have been living in the basement of David Davidson’s parents’ home because their home was damaged by fire.
“Before the accident, they had been working hard to build a new house in Pomona together,” Stokes said. “The house is fairly complete on the outside. The inside has most of the framing done, but that is it.”
Stokes said the neighbors have decided to solicit help to complete the home.
“We are sending letters to people who live in the area asking for donations of supplies and manpower,” she said. “We all felt it was too early to ask for help before now, but David is admitting he is feeling overwhelmed and could use all the help he could get.”
Stokes said she considered contacting the television show, “Extreme Makeover,” but realized the application process takes months.
“We think because of the generosity of the people in this area, we could actually get the house finished ...,” Stokes said. “We have a committee of neighbors working on this for David and his family ... David and Becky were a part of our small community and we are trying to help our neighbors.”
F To help: The Davidson home is incomplete. If you want to help, please call Glenda Stokes at (785) 746-8864, Monica Swartley at (785) 746-5353 or Mark Hill at (785) 746-8850. The family sincerely appreciates any help the community can give.