The family is in mourning now, but the focus will shift to making sure Samantha’s husband and four young boys left behind, feel loved this holiday season.<\/p>\n
And through the sorrow, Santiago giving thanks to the good Samaritans who jumped into action.<\/p>\n
“They’re the ones that helped, they tried to do their best to save Elena, they tried to do their best to help Samantha,” he said.<\/p>\n
One of those “first responders” was Jennifer Wettlaufer who told us she and her mother ran outside after hearing the crash from their home just across the street.<\/p>\n
“We would want it done for us. I would hope that if it was me in that situation, that someone’s gonna come to my aid,” Wettlaufer said.<\/p>\n
Wettlaufer says she spent nearly 15 minutes tending to 2-year-old Elena, who was partially ejected from the car, before first responders arrived.<\/p>\n
Officers say she was not in a car seat.<\/p>\n
Neighbors tell Action News the crashes in this area are unfortunately common, leaving her asking how many more lives must be lost before a change is made.<\/p>\n
“There would have been no crash, everyone would’ve went on with their day, we wouldn’t be having this if we had one more stop sign,” Wettlaufer said.<\/p>\n
For now, Thursday’s vigil will have to serve as a stark reminder of the risks that remain.<\/p>\n
“The family loves her, we’re gonna miss Samantha and Elena, but that’s okay, we have her in our hearts,” Santiago said.<\/p>\n
The family is accepting donations for funeral expenses, and they say any leftover money will be put away and saved for Samantha’s four sons.<\/p>\n
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