MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. -- A heartbreaking accident sent ripples of grief through the Ravenna community Thursday, when friends and family learned what happened to the Kubasiak siblings.
"The general mindset is we're all devastated," said Garry Hosman, owner of the Roller Fox roller rink. "[Their mother] has worked with me. Very close friend of the family. If I ever need a favor, or a call, she's there, and vice-versa too... [It] just devastated us, the whole staff."
Michigan State Police says the trio were on their way to school Thursday morningwhen the driver, Emily Kubasiak, 18, tried to pass another vehicle in icy roads, lost control and slid into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The crash killed the youngest sister, 10-year-old Erika Kubasiak, and critically injured Emily and their brother, Peter Kubasiak, 16.
"It's just unexpected," Hosman said. "We're numb, they're numb, we're all numb by the incident."
The Ravenna school district brought in grief counselors to help students and staff.
From left to right: Emily (18), Peter (16), and Erika (10) Kubasiak. Courtesy photo.
The Kubasiak family are active parishioners at St. Catherine's in Ravenna. The Catholic Diocese says that the parish has set up a fund for the family to help cover medical and funeral expenses. It's the Kubasiak Memorial Fund, and donations can be made to any Choice One branch.
A candlelight vigil is tentatively being planned for the family Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Ravenna High School baseball and softball fields.
