Family rallying behind teenager following fatal crash in Fond du Lac County
FOND DU LAC- A horrible crash nearly claimed the life of a teenage girl. Now her family is talking about her survival.
Ken Grahl lost his father and stepmother in the crash. His sister was badly hurt, but now she's out of the hospital and on the mend.
"We're going to do our best to nurture her and see her achieve her goals and dreams as she gets older," said Grahl.
Grahl's sister, Esther, miraculously survived a crash that took the lives of their parents -- Paul and Joanna.
"She remembers it," explained Grahl. "During the rough crash, she was coherent at the time."
Police say Daniel Shea was drunk and texting behind the wheel when he crossed the center line on Highway 45 in Fond du Lac and crashed into the couple's car last week. He made bail, but the woman who came to the door at his house had nothing to say.
Meanwhile Ken Grahl had to find the words to say to his sister that their parents are gone.
"The news was tough but we found the right time to tell her so she would be able to handle it," said Grahl. "And just wrap your arms around her and keep her going."
Esther spent a week in the hospital with a severe leg injury and concussion, but she managed to stay positive.
"When we were there at the hospital before she went to sleep, she said God is good, he seems to always take care of us, so that was a real tear jerker."
Esther is now in her new home with Ken and his wife. The family is still able to find strength in the face of unimaginable sadness.
"You just find ways to get through it through your faith and family and friends," said Grahl.
The couple's funeral is Friday. A fund has been set up to help with Esther's future.
Checks should be made out to "Esther Grahl"
"Esther's Fund"
PO Box 207
Eden, WI 53019















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