A community wears purple to honor two teens killed in Barron County, Wisconsin crash
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A moment of silence was planned before Friday evening’s Rice Lake High School Football game for two students killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash earlier in the week in Barron County, Wisconsin.
The two girls, 14-year-old Evah Garcia and 15-year-old Winter Brouillard, died after Monday evening’s rollover car crash near Cameron.
There are two hearts on the sign outside the high school where the girls attended classes.
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“She was very intelligent, loving and cared very much about all of her friends,” said Allyssa Garcia, Evah’s mother. “A lot of people loved her, and she was loved by many.”
“She always lit up a room whenever she walked into it, she had the biggest heart that I know,” said Crystal Skidmore, Winter’s mother. “She had so much life left to offer, I would have never guessed this.”
The crash happened Monday night in Cameron, Wis., less than 10 miles south of Rice Lake. Fourteen-year-old Evah Garcia and 15-year-old Winter Brouillard died from their injuries after the crash, and another 14-year-old girl is also recovering.
The 16-year-old driver, who had minor injuries, was arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance, according to investigators. The Barron County Sheriff said he lost control while going fast and rolled the vehicle several times.
The two girls, 14-year-old Evah Garcia and 15-year-old Winter Brouillard, died after Monday evening's rollover car crash near Cameron (Photos courtesy of Garcia and Brouillard families).
RELATED: 2nd teen dies after Barron County crash
“She’s very bubbly,” said Emilie Bailkey, Winter’s Aunt. “Everyone she met, she made an impact on.”
Bailkey said the support for their family from the Barron County community and beyond has brought them comfort.
Students in Rice Lake School District were asked on Friday to wear purple to remember the girls.
“Both had a favorite color of purple,” the Barron County Sheriff’s Department noted while encouraging others in the community to “please share this as much as possible and lets show our support for the family and friends.”
“I think what happened to her is tragic, I know Winter is in heaven right now, but I know she has so much love and support down here,” said Skidmore.
There are fundraisers setup to help both families after the accident.
The fundraiser for Evah Garcia can be found here.
The fundraiser for Winter Brouillard can be found here.