Batesville, Ark. (KATV) — The Twisted Spud, a restaurant in Batesville, is rallying support behind a teenage employee and her classmates following a fatal vehicle crash that killed two students and left two others injured Monday, October 19.
Chloe, a student from Cave City, was one of four students hurt in the crash. It took place on State Highway 394 which is also known as Gap Road.
State Police release new information on fatal accident in Batesville
According to Arkansas State Police, a minor was driving when the car left the road by veering to the right and hitting a driveway access.
The vehicle went airborne, hit a second driveway and overturned as a result.
Two boys were killed, and two teenagers are still receiving treatment. Among them is Chloe Mean, who has to navigate through a long road to recovery.
Alisha Hightower, owner of the Twisted Spud with her husband, says Chloe’s absences leaves a real void in their kitchen.
“From the moment she came in, we just knew she had this demeanor, and I describe it like a fiery spirit about her. She brings a lot of energy to the kitchen. She’s always joking and sort of nitpicking the other employees, especially our manager,” said Hightower.
After being notified of the wreck, Hightower decided to organize an online fundraiser.
As a surgery survivor herself, she understands how much procedures can financially strain families.
“The main thing that I would ask from the community is if you can give, give to all of the GoFundMe’s for Chloe and Kaylee and the two boys who passed and their families. And if you can’t, share those so that other people can see those and potentially donate to help ease those financial burdens,” said Hightower.
She says helping those families is the obvious choice for such a tight-knit community as the city of Batesville.
“One thing you will find around here is that when tragedy happens, people come together. And so, when you feel so helpless in a moment like that, and you know you can’t completely take away someone’s pain, but you know that you can at least do something to help, that’s what you do,” said Hightower.
The Hightowers say they plan to increase the fundraiser goal as expenses mount, with hopes to ensure Chloe’s parents remain focused on her healing instead of hospital bills.
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