A 12-year-old girl traveling home from a funeral with her family died in a car crash that left other members of her family hospitalized.
The Pepin County Sheriff's Office revealed in a recent news release that Joeclynn Passon, just 12 years old, tragically lost her life at the scene of a two-car collision.
As reported by PEOPLE, the crash also claimed the life of the 18-year-old driver of the other vehicle, identified as Ethan Whitwam.
According to authorities, Whitwam was driving alone when his vehicle unexpectedly crossed the center lane, resulting in a devastating head-on collision with the Passon family's pickup truck from Waseca, Wisconsin.
Quick action from a passerby played a crucial role in the aftermath of the accident. The Sheriff's Office reported that the passerby, joined by three others, worked tirelessly to free the trapped occupants from the wreckage and provide immediate medical aid.
The Passon family, consisting of Joeclynn's father Steven, mother Jessica, and eight-year-old brother Drake, sustained injuries and were promptly transported to local hospitals for treatment.
While Jessica, 36, was treated and subsequently released, both Steven, 40, and his young son suffered what authorities termed as "critical injuries."
The tragic incident unfolded as the Passon family was returning from a relative's funeral in Wisconsin. The family's pickup truck was tragically engulfed in flames following the crash.
Accounts state that Jessica was able to free herself and rescue both of her children from the back seat, while bystanders assisted in freeing Steve from the front seat.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to aid the Passon family, and it shed further light on the ordeal, explaining that Drake was discharged from a Minnesota hospital the previous Saturday.
The fundraiser reads: "The sudden loss of Jocelynn has left the family's hearts shattered. As the family grapples with grief, they are faced with the daunting task of arranging a proper farewell for Jocelynn."
The money raised will go toward Jocelynn's funeral, during a time of significant hardship for the family, with Steven requiring multiple surgeries to address extensive leg injuries.
At the time of writing, the fundraiser has raised just shy of $53,000 from an intended target of $55,000 - coming from 771 donations.
Whitwam was remembered fondly in an obituary. Described as a person with "boundless energy, hard work & determination" and a deep affection for small-town life, Whitwam's impact was evident.
Investigations into the fatal crash are ongoing, with both the Pepin County Sheriff's Office and the Wisconsin State Patrol actively engaged.
The Sheriff's department added: "The Sheriff’s Office extends our sympathies to all those involved and impacted by this tragic incident."
Our thoughts are with the Passon family during this difficult time.
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