This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

WEST HAVEN, Weber County — Lena-Ashley Black says she can't imagine what her friends are going through — the mothers of 5-year-old Tae'lynn and 6-year-old Skyler.

The girls were in the same car Friday when a vehicle driven by Lauretta Jensen, 59, collided with their vehicle head-on, according to Ogden police. Jensen was driving the wrong way on a one-way section of 21st Street, around 300 West.

One is recovering from a spinal cord injury, the other has swelling of the brain; each of them are were listed in critical condition Monday at Primary Children's Medical Center.

"Seeing them in their hospital beds, it's just heartbreaking," Black said Monday.

She said the two girls, who have been lifelong best friends, are full of life.

"They're so much fun. They're so much energy," Black said. "They're so resilient. I know they'll get through it."

Black said the girls' mothers, who asked their last names not be published, are trying to focus on their daughters rather than Jensen, who is being held at the Weber County Jail pending possible charges of driving under the influence and drug possession.

"The girls don't want to focus on (Jensen)," Black said, talking about Tae'lynn and Skyler's mothers, Kera and Maren. "They don't want to see her face again because she caused them so much pain. They just want to focus on the girls."

As a friend to both families, Black decided to help the only way she knew how — setting up a donation website*.

"We've had almost 2,000 shares on Facebook," she said.

Throughout the day Monday, donations continued to pour in, exceeding $9,500. Donors were from around the country, some as far away as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

"I'm glad to see all the support," Black said. "They need it more than anything."

*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

×

Photos

Related Links

Related Stories