Deadly crash in Iowa claims the lives of three Champaign children

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – A fatal car crash in one state resulted in the deaths of three young Champaign children.

On October 8 last week, a family was involved in a crash on Highway 30 in Iowa. It resulted in three family members being hospitalized and three children under the age of five killed.

“Get justice out of this because three precious souls are still missing,” said Jaineka Brown, the children’s aunt.

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The family is coping with this difficult time through their faith and the support of their community. Brown said the family is looking to the community for continued support.

“That’s all we can do, one day at a time, one prayer at a time,” she said. “We are fighting to stay strong during this traumatic tragedy.”

Hearts are heavy in Champaign following the accident. Brown described the emotions that followed the accident.

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“Their lives just started going so fast, it hurts, it hurts. But their mission here was accomplished,” she said.

Layani Carter-Epps was only five years old.

“My niece Layani had a smile that was out of this world,” Brown said. “She was so bright, so lively. She loved colours.”

Layani’s little brother Miko was two.

“I call him my Stevie-J because he terrorized everyone from the moment he woke up to the moment he went to sleep,” Brown said.

And Jacesun Jackson was four.

“My nephew Jacesun, when he was four years old, was like a baby genius,” Brown said. “He was so smart, like he was doing math problems. He could do additions; he could subtract; he loved learning,” Brown said.

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As the entire family ponders what comes next, grief brings them together.

“I’m going to miss them,” Brown said. “I wish I had more time. Time is not on my side, and I realize that now.”

Two of the three adults in the car remain in an Iowa hospital, with one in critical but stable condition. The family is asking the community for help paying for funeral arrangements. To donate, visit their fundraiser at gofundme.com.

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