In March 2018, an ordinary trip for Easter preparations turned into a nightmare for a family in Oklahoma. Linda Danette Smith Irie, her two young grandchildren—9-year-old Brooklynn Newville and 5-year-old Jace—along with their cousin Isabella Anthony, were driving to pick out a lamb for an Easter photo shoot.
Sadly, their car was struck by another vehicle, resulting in the tragic deaths of Linda, Brooklynn, and Jace.
Reports suggest that the young driver responsible for the accident was distracted, possibly texting at the time of the collision.
Six-year-old Isabella miraculously survived the crash, becoming the only witness to this heartbreaking event. Since the accident, she and her family have actively advocated for safer driving, spreading awareness about the dangers of distracted driving—hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Brooklynn and Jace's parents, Shaneé and Brian, were left to grapple with the unimaginable grief of losing both their children in one day. As they tried to find a way forward, they discovered something unexpected—an artifact of their daughter’s hopes and dreams that would change everything.
While going through Brooklynn’s belongings, Shaneé and Brian stumbled upon a small but powerful item—a handwritten bucket list created by Brooklynn herself. The list, filled with dreams like seeing a moose, going scuba diving, and visiting an ice bar in Alaska, showcased the adventurous spirit of a girl whose life was tragically cut short.
"She always wanted to go hunting with me," Brian emotionally shared, revealing the weight of the missed moments that would never come.
The family has now vowed to honor her wishes, embarking on a journey to fulfill Brooklynn’s dreams one by one.
Determined to make a difference, the Newville family launched a campaign with a straightforward but urgent message— Their goal is to raise awareness about the perils of distracted driving and encourage people to eliminate all distractions, whether phones or otherwise, while on the road.
Brian’s heartfelt plea resonates with all who hear it: “It’s not worth someone’s life and the pain and suffering that we’ve had to go through because you want to be on your phone for two seconds.” His words carry the weight of a father forever impacted by the careless actions of another.
In the face of immense loss, the Newville family continues to push forward, motivated by their love for Brooklynn and the belief that her legacy can inspire change.
Their efforts extend beyond personal healing—they aim to make roads safer and spare other families the pain they’ve endured.
The Newville family’s story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of mindful driving. What are your thoughts on distracted driving? How can society do more to prevent such tragedies? Share your views below and join the conversation about creating safer roads for everyone.
