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Victims Of Deadly Head On Collision Identified Save Email Print
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(June 30, 2008)—The Department of Public Safety Monday released the names of the victims of a head on collision Sunday that left one man dead and a woman, two children and a Central Texas teenager injured.

Marc Damon, 33, of Lumberton died Sunday afternoon on Highway 190 about a mile east of Heidenheimer when a Chevrolet Tahoe crossed the centerline and collided head on with the Ford Fusion in which he, Tonya McCullough, 31, Madeline McCullough, 6, and Abigail McCullough, 4, were riding investigators said.

The occupants of the Fusion were trapped in the wreckage and rescuers had to cut them out.

The 15-year-old driver of the Tahoe, Joaquin Robert Rodriguez of Buckholts, was also injured.

Investigators say it appears the Tahoe veered across the centerline after the driver lost control.

The vehicles collided on the eastbound shoulder.

The DPS said Tonya McCullough and Rodriguez suffered serious injuries in the crash.

The two girls sustained what the DPS described as non-incapacitating injuries.
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Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Oct 12, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Well, we had another Sunday lunch without Marc today and even though its not ever very quiet around my parents house with a bunch of wild lil indians running around it has been. Marc's voice would just carry when he spoke..and his laugh was so contagious that you couldn't help but just run and see what he was laughing about so you could join in with him.. I miss him picking on the kids and them running up to him and picking on him right back. We are all doing the best we can just to not lose it everyday.. I know that the good Lord has helped us out on that. I am truly thankful that yall have kept us in your thoughts and prayers. And Shelly-You are amazing!! You give me/us so much hope and comfort.. THANK YOU!!!!
Posted by: Darci on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Meredith and all of Marc's family, especially Tonya and the Girls, I continue to pray for you everyday.
Posted by: Darci on Oct 5, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Kudos to Keith and Shelly! To "does it really matter" YES IT DOES! MARC WAS KILLED! And after reading your post it made a light bulb go off in my head, about repeating myself on posts, wasting my energy.....thank you, you made me realize everytime I post or feel the anger all over again, I really need to be writing the DA letter, after letter, after letter. So from now on I will be doing just that. How's that for productive energy? So anytime you see a post from me, a letter is on it's way to the DA's office. Thanks for the motivation.
Posted by: Keith Location: Temple on Oct 5, 2008 at 05:22 PM
To : "does it really matter" are you one of the people that knew about the underage driving in this area? sounds like your taking things out on other when the people on here are only speaking the truth. I am sure as you said to shelly, you dont know what will happen in the future, however, I think we all know that, my questions is..if there were people that knew he was driving in the community, then why didnt they say anything? I am sure his father, being in the line of work he is in, is very ashamed of what this is doing to him as a parent. When it all could of been prevented. and by the way, I agree with everything shelly has posted along with darci, nana ect...at lease we are not emmbarrest to place a name with the comments!
Posted by: shelly on Oct 5, 2008 at 05:00 PM
well...I never said I was perfect..and if my kids are ever involved in a situation like this...it wont be from me allowing them to drive without experiance nor without a DL. ITS MY JOB AS A PARENT TO TEACH THEM RIGHT FROM WORNG. I cant say that for JRs parents. I will repeat myself as many times as need...Jr or his parents have yet to even send an apology to the family that was the victims. and for your comment about me being a perect mom....I am..I am here to protect my kids from stupidy and ppl like you and JRs family..Why dont you say your name...TOO chicken to let ppl know who you really are... God only knows when the court day is and I only hope I am off shift to make it there, I will be the one with bells on and the big A** smile across my face. If you wan tot make any other stupid comments feel free..I deal with stupid people everytime I go to work
Posted by: does it really matter Location: here on Oct 4, 2008 at 10:30 PM
okay we all know jr was driving without a dl,but dont you all get tired of repeating yourselves?i agree yes jr should have to pay for his mistake and yes more so his parents for allowing him to drive.but to shelly you think your so perfect and you dont know what can happen in the future so watch what you say about people .you have kids they will drive one day and you wont always be around them if they may cause an accident [horseplaying or whatever ]would you like people talking about your kid like that ????huh didnt think so....yeah jr will pay for his actions ,yeah im sure he feels bad for taking a life ,its is sad that marc had to go ,i feel sorry for his whole family,but you are getting nowhere by making your statements [throw the book at him ,etc.or it might make you feel better about youeself but thats all its doing save yourself the energy ,on all your comments all you do is repeat yourself.since your such a perfect mom stay off the pc and spend more time with your kids
Posted by: shelly Location: Central Tx on Oct 3, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Darci, I agree....as a parent of 3 myself...How could you not know if your kid was driving your vehicle underage? The DA has already received letters from our family. I myself am never going to let this issue go unheard..There are so any children out there driving in the county with out a license, I want to know Whats happening to the parents??? Its their job as parentsd to raise their children from right and wrong and keep them out of harms way....maybe its just me..but I dont see any good parenting skills from this act. I hope they all get the book thrown at them..I only wish I had the say so on what Judge they get :)
Posted by: Darci on Oct 2, 2008 at 08:19 PM
It angers me to hear that people KNEW this kid was underage driving without a drivers license. If it is FACT that this kid had been driving without a license and his parents had knowledge of this, it seems to me they should be held legally accountable as well. "open your eyes" posted that JR was cited for driving without a license in May of 2008, a month before he killed Marc. If this is fact I think the law enforcement agencies there in Milam county need to be auditted and reviewed, for lack of action, enforcement and follow-up. Also if that is fact that he was cited in May 2008 that proves that his parents did have knowledge of his illegal acts. Trust me, the DA will be recieving letters from me with these recomendations!
Posted by: nana Location: lumberton on Oct 2, 2008 at 05:34 PM
To "me" in Central Texas, who's to say Marc's family hasn't forgiven JR? Even with forgiveness it doesn't mean it lets him off the hook legally. He is still subject to punishment under the State of Texas laws. How many families have forgiven murderers on death row and they still have to stay on DEATH ROW!!!!!!! You seem to be confused, forgiving a person for his actions doesn't relieve them from their punishment.
Posted by: Godstxgirl Location: Beaumont, TX on Sep 30, 2008 at 05:25 PM
In our hearts and prayers always.
Posted by: Darci on Sep 27, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Shelly, I love your posts and agree with you 100 percent.
Posted by: Vacker Family Location: Lumberton on Sep 21, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Glad to hear Tonya & girls are okay....we really appreciate the updates. We thought about them during the Hurricane & prayed they would be okay. If there is anything they need, please let us know. Hugs & kisses to all!
Posted by: Shelly Location: Central Tx on Sep 21, 2008 at 04:34 PM
I think we all know that what happened was BS. And yes, the parents are at fault as well as JR. As you said before ( ME) If you knew things like this were going on,,why didnt you call the police? I could care less if teenagers are having sex, having abortions, thats THEIR business and thats a choice they have to live with themselves...Driving without license and taking alife is SELFISH, Marcs family did nothing wrong, you cant change or fix that mistake. AS far as your accident, you are still breathing, ask your famliy how they would of felt if you had died and if they could of forgave as easily as you are asking forgiveness for JR. I am sure they took the money from the fund raiser, I am hoping they are not payiong their lawyers with it, as they are going to need one. I hope to see the whole family get time. Justice needs to be served for Marcs little girls. Life sucks without a daddy. It makes me sick that this happend because of stupidity. Even worse, People knew it happened before!
Posted by: PC Location: East Texas on Sep 21, 2008 at 04:30 PM
I guess you forgave OJ Simpson as well and don't think he should be held accountable either for murder. If I ever go on trial for murder I want you in the jury box. At least I will have someone on my side who feels I am not guilty and all is forgiven. We can all forgive the boy but it doesn't change the fact he committed murder and the last time I looked their are laws in this state that says he should have consequences. Since you are so forgiving lets allow all the criminals who are behind bars out since we are all so forgiving. Glad to hear your survived your accident and can get on with life. Marc can't - His life is over and a 15 year old kid driving illegally without a license killed him. I have never posted on here but after reading your post I felt compelled and just had to say something on behalf of Tonya and her precious little girls. May God continue to bless her and her family while they continue to struggle with the loss of a loving husband and father.
Posted by: ME Location: CENTRAL TEXAS on Sep 21, 2008 at 02:13 PM
ACTUALLY I'M A SURVIVOR OF A CAR ACCIDENT ALSO AND I FORGAVE THE PERSON THAT HIT ME. BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN FORGIVENESS. WHEN I GO AND MEET MY MAKER I DON'T WANT GOD TO ASK ME IF YOU COULDN'T FORGIVE THE PEOPLE THAT DO YOU WRONG, THEN WHY SHOULD I FORGIVE YOU FOR YOUR SINS.
Posted by: Me - I Didn't See Your Name Either Location: Buckholts, TX on Sep 21, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Did they turn the money down? No. He did not make a mistake when he got behind the wheel and drove illegally. He killed a husband, father, brother, and a friend. Was it a mistake in May when he got cited for driving without a license? We should learn from our mistakes. He hasn't and never will. He commited involuntary manslaugher. He has not even changed since he killed a loving husband, father, brother, and a friend. He has broken the law along with his parents. They should have charges filed on them as well since they GAVE him the keys. In addition, what others do does not change what this boy did. This blog is not about what others are doing anyway its about him. He committed murder. What if it was your spoue or child? I am certain your thoughts would be different. Those who are pointing fingers are doing so becuase we have said all along one of these days he will do something wrong and his parents will not be able to bail him out. Its sad though because here someone lost their life.
Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Sep 20, 2008 at 03:37 PM
FOR EVERYONES'S INFORMATION THE FAMILY DID NOT WANT THE FUNDRAISER TO BEGING WITH. IT WAS THEIR FRIENDS FROM THE FIRE DEPT THAT DID ALL OF THIS. LET ME ASSURE YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE JR IS NOT THE ONLY KID IN THE BUCKHOLTS COMMUNITY THAT MAKES MISTAKES. THERE ARE ALOT OF THEM AS WELL AS THEIR PARENTS THAT ARE POINTING FINGERS WHO NEED A REALITY CHECK ALSO. OTHER KIDS ARE DRIVING AROUND WITH NO LICENCE, DRINKING, HAVING SEX, ABORTIONS ,USING DRUGS,SO IF YOUR SO CONCERN ABOUT HIS DRIVING BACK WHEN,WHY DON'T YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE ONES THAT ARE DRIVING NOW WITHOUT A LICENCE AND WHY DON'T YOU PUT SOMETHING HERE ABOUT THEIR PARENTS, OH THE CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE KNOW. SO DON'T EVERYONE OUT THERE BELIEVE WHAT YOU HEAR FROM BUCKHOLTS, POSTING NEGATIVE THINGS. SO IF YOUR WRITING FROM BUCKHOLTS WHY DON'T YOU WRITE YOUR NAME, I BET YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU DID THAT WAS A SIN. I CAN JUST SEE THE DEVIL HAVING SUCH FUN WITH THIS.
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Sep 19, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Anonymous, as far as that benefit goes,i have no idea, but if it is true that doesn't show much class for that family. BUT really haven't seen an ounce of class from them yet. Now with the legal part..I really can't give out information on this blog, but I will give my E-mail address and answer your questions from there. thanks to all again! Merty7@aol.com And to Shelly: THANK YOU-THANK YOU-THANK YOU!!! Love u girl!!!!! stay safe out there and keep up the great work!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 19, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Meredith - My heart continues to go out to everyone associated with Marc - relatives -friends - church members - etc. Can you provide us with an update on what is going on with the legal system. Based on the information below nothing has been done other than a fund raiser to raise money to pay for this kids medical. Is this true? Glad to hear everyone is doing better and you all made it through IKE. May God continue to bless all of you. You are and will remain in our prayers.
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Sep 19, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Hello to all!! We have been going through Hurricane Ike-needless to say we have been without power and working our tails off. But everyone is ok. Tonya and the girls are doing well also. Tonya can't wait to get back to teaching her kids at school. She is a wonderful teacher. Madelyn and Abigail are both doing very well in school but out right now due to the hurricane. Sometimes our days are bad..but I personally feel Marc with me. I was cleaning the yard the other day and I was getting nailed with acorns and not a squirrel or bird around anywhere..BUT I knew who it was. We miss Marc every minute of everyday. I miss his laugh and jovial spirit the most!!! Thank yall for keeping us close to yalls hearts. I know I say this alot but yall do mean alot to us!! Please continue to keep us in your prayers!! Love to all!!
Posted by: Open Your Eyes Location: Central Texas on Sep 19, 2008 at 05:50 AM
From what I understand the benefit bar-b-que was to raise money for the boy's medical bills and the father being off of work and no I didn't buy one.
Posted by: ??????????? Location: CENTRAL TX on Sep 18, 2008 at 03:54 PM
A FUNDRAISER??? FOR WHAT??? FOR KILLING SOMEONE??? NO REALLY WHY? WHAT DID THE PROCEEDS GO TOWARD?
Posted by: Open Your Eyes Location: TX on Sep 16, 2008 at 05:50 AM
Just for the record this teenager was recently cited for driving without a license in Milam County before school was out in May 2008. I am sure the parents did their usual thing by making up some excuse and paying the fine. JR is guilty of involuntary manslaughter/vehicular manslaughter and his parents are just as guilty for GIVING him the keys to the family car. There is no doubt he should be locked up. They know he drives and this was not the first time for their son to be behind the wheel. With all the talk about how good JR is has anyone ever talked to school personnel in Buckholts? I wonder what they would say about him and his parents. Yes accidents do happen but this was an accident that could have been avoided. Highway 36 and IH 35 are not some country dirt road where you learn how to drive. Last weekend this family had a fund raiser by selling dinner plantes to raise money - For them not Tonya. It was funny to hear how many people made the comment "I refuse to buy one"!
Posted by: moody on Sep 12, 2008 at 01:33 PM
i was wondering if we could get an update on tonya and the girls may god be with you
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Sep 10, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Shelly, You have been such a comfort to our family throughout this entire situation. Thank you. Meredith and I often talk about how frustrated we are that nothing seems to be happening. It sometimes feels like there will be no justice in this case. It's so refreshing to hear that there are still people in that area that are fighting for us and keeping this all from just being pushed under a rug. Thank you again for always doing whatever you can to help. You're a blessing!
Posted by: Shelly Location: Central Tx on Sep 10, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Its easy to blame someone else for a careless mistake...JR is to Blame along with his parents and everyone else who knew he was driving under age without a license. I could tell that Marc was an experienced driver and that he loved his family more than we will ever know. For Marc to take all the impact to keep his family ALIVE, Marc is the HERO. ANd if JR is such a good person, why did he lie and say he wasnt driving..and why did so many ppl look in the grass and feilds for the driver. JR is a scared little kid..and yes, he should be scared. I Myself am pushing for MANSLAUGHTER, assult with a deadly weapon, and many more. I hope he sits his A** in jail along with his Mommy and Daddy.They should of never let him drive, and they should get child indangerment from thoses actions. Sorry for being harsh, but thats LIFE get over it as Privet would say! Meredith, Marc and the girls and Tonya are still in our prayers and I will not let this go unheard. I promise!
Posted by: Brittany Location: League City on Sep 10, 2008 at 01:06 PM
I just wanted to let the family of Marc Mcullough know that you all are in my prayers. Tonya was my daughter Taylor's 3rd grade teacher. She is such a wonderful person and there is not a day that goes by that I don't wonder about how she and the girls are doing. Please know that I am praying for justice.
Posted by: Privet Location: Somewhere out there on Sep 10, 2008 at 10:25 AM
JR is not my friend. and well you know murder wow thats a strong on people who murder got to hell soo yeah let god sort it out im sure that JR ment to kill that man and give up everything in his life think on both sides god use your mind ann a Accident is not murder its just that a ACCIDENT. and i dont point my finger at JR i point it on the state of texas for that road how many people have died on that oad alot ive been out to that area and ive talk to some of the people out there not one person out there even JR have known at lest one person that has beem killed on that road.
Posted by: Darci Location: Lumberton on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:22 PM
To Privet, you friend's action to get behind the wheel without a drivers lic. shows a BOLD disregard for the law. I HOPE HE GETS MANSLAUGHTER! By the way, I stopped by the accident site myself, Marc was paying very close attention, you should have seen his dark skid marks attemping to steer his family away from your negligent friend. He was also on the shoulder pretty much when your friend hit him head on, Marc took the whole impact himself. The only thing anyone needs to "get over" as you suggested, is YOUR aggorance and stupidity.
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Sep 9, 2008 at 07:09 PM
First of all...THANK YOU to all who are keeping us in their prayers!! Now, privet. Since you are obviously not that smart let me break it down for you.....that kid veered continuously over into Marc's lane. Marc then swerved and was trying to "a-v-o-i-d" the accident. when that kid hit Marc. It was at the edge of the concrete going into the grass. Marc was veering and hitting his brakes in the grass when that kid killed him. So what don't you understand? Maybe you should stop reading this blog and work on your grammar...its pretty bad. what did the news get wrong? really you don't have to answer that because your lacking in the knowledge department. Oh, by the way the State Troopers and ALL the witnesses are very aware of the details. and please let me know when one of your loved-ones get killed so I can give you a pat on the back and tell you to GET over it.
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Sep 9, 2008 at 05:18 PM
To Privet: Did you seriously just suggest that my family should just get over the fact that my brother got murdered? I'm certain that you are not truly so heartless as to come on here and curse at people who care about us when you obviously don't know many of the facts. Marc did everything he could to avoid this wreck, and that is the only reason that the rest of the family was not killed too. He was all but pulled over on the shoulder on his side of the road which means that JR had to swerve across two lanes in order to hit him head on. You are right when you say thank God nobody else died because I could have lost 3 other family members due to this kid's recklessness. Obviously you have never had to face the senseless loss of someone that you love. If you have a problem with what others have to say here, maybe you should be reading something somewhere else!
Posted by: Privet Location: Some where out there on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Well its been a while seens ive said something about this GET over it People die every day thanks god that only one person died and not everyone what did the dad do to prvent this from happening seeing as he had been driving for how long i know my dad has provented lots of car recs it takes 2 for a head on Collision yeah JR was wrong he should had been paying more attention but so should had the dad god only gives us as much as we can handle and i know that family of the father is going to be fine hell life gose on. and you know what im soooo happy no one elso died everyone that reads this and says oh my life is never going to be the same well no you life is that about the family want about JR they learned the most out of this hell the police dont even know how it went down the news didnt even get it right the cops where out there for what 2 days. eveyone remembers when they got there drivers lices and i dont think about one should be driveing well thanks good not everyone died.
Posted by: MOODY on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:49 AM
I would like to send this poem to the family. "I AM NOT THERE" Do not stand at my grave and weep For I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am diamonds that glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush I am the swift uplifting rush of butterflies in joyous flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there.I did not die.
Posted by: a friend Location: Lumberton on Sep 6, 2008 at 12:33 PM
To ME, in Buckholts, you are right JR will be judged by God one day. However there's a little something, you might have heard of it, called "the ten comandments". It outlines how we should love one another, abide by the laws of our society, and think of others before ourselves. The day JR got behind the wheel without a drivers lic, he was breaking the laws of our society. When he took it upon himself to speed and drive in a wreckless manner he was thinking only of himself with no regards to anyone else's safety much less life. We all make mistakes but sometimes when our mistakes affect others, there are consequences we must face. Me in Buckholts, I do believe your heart is in the right place, so right now JR and his family need your friendship and support. I am sure he is scared and under a great deal of stress. Many prayers going out to the McCullough family. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish so badly I could bring Marc back.
Posted by: shelly Location: central texas on Sep 3, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Nana, I agree with you 100%. You have to be responsible for your actions..and the parents should be responsible for their minor childs actions. God made us parents for a reason...protect, teach love and respect and to correct mistakes and learn from them. I know my 3 girls will nt be perfect, in my heart I know I am doing everything in this world to teach and raise them right. The comunity should remember with " every action, their are consequences" Thats life. Thoughts and prayers are still with Marcs family!
Posted by: nana Location: Lumberton on Sep 1, 2008 at 05:43 PM
To ME in Buckholts, yes you are right in regards to JR being judged by the "man up stairs" but he is still subject the the laws of our country, state, city, etc..... If we went by your theory think of all the criminals that would be on the streets right now, possibly living right next door to you or me. JR and his family have apparently been breaking the law for a couple of years, which is unbelievable to me due to the parents lines of work and know the action and damage of letting an immature, in-experienced driver get behind the wheel. Now, it is time to suffer the consequences of there actions. Sorry, but thats just the way it is. I pray that he and his family or not allowed to just walk away with no legal punishment. MR. DA, WE ARE WATCHING!
Posted by: me Location: buckholts on Aug 31, 2008 at 04:04 PM
first of all my prayers go out to the mccullough family i hope that tanya and the girls are healing well..i just dont see why there is so much negative comments about jr and his family ,i know he is a 15 yr old driving without a dl and yes he will have to pay for his mistake...yeah we can all say he shouldnt of been driving w/out a dl,he wasnt paying attention,etc but we arent the one who needs to judge him there is one man and thats the man up stairs that jr will have to answer to.so let all the negative comments stop .turn all ure negative into postive for the mccullough family and to the family of jr as he is still trying to recover ,this was an accident .....
Posted by: Darci on Aug 31, 2008 at 12:54 AM
Meredith, I think about you and your family almost every day. Please know you are still in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry you lost Marc.
Posted by: Jami Location: Lumberton, TX on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Thank you for the update on Tonya. You are still in our thoughts and prayers. I was so sad the first day of school as I knew how much Tonya would give to be there teaching and loving her new students knowing she had a loving husband waiting for her when she got home to see how her day went. It is so unfair....I hope and pray that justice will be served. Please keep updating as we read daily to see how everyone is doing.
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Aug 26, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Thank you all who are still reading and posting here. it really helps us knowing you still think of us and Marc. and as Krystal said it is still very raw to us..I woke up Monday crying knowing Marc was not going to be there for his babies first day of school. and as the day went on I forgot he wasn't with us and sent him a text asking him how they did...I (WE ALL) miss him so much. It is a constant pain that we carry heavy on us everyday. Please continue to pray for us..as for now the pain is getting worse everyday. Thank you all. you have touched our hearts and know that we hold yall close.
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Thank you guys for your recent responses. Believe me, we all check this site daily to see if there is anything new here. Often we don't write anything because it seems there's just not much more we can say these days. Our emotions are still so raw, and all we can do at this point is sit and wait to hear something new. It means so much that people are still following and praying for our family. I hope some of you guys will write letters to the DA to help make sure Marc did not die in vain. Tonya's surgery went fine, but she's still in the hospital and in a lot of pain. The girls are doing about the same as they try to work through everything. Hopefully now that they have started school, things can begin to turn into some form of their new normalcy. Keep praying, and we'll keep updating.
Posted by: MOODY on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:05 AM
I STILL FOLLOW THIS STORY EVERY DAY. YOU ALL ARE STILL AND ALWAYS WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS I LOOK AT LIFE SO MUCH DIFFERENT EVERY SINCE IVE READ THIS STORY LIFE IS TOO SHORT AND SOMETIMES TAKEN FOR GRANTED I KNOW YOUR LIVES ARE FOREVER CHANGED I CAN NOT EVEN IMAGINE WHAT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN THROUGH AND STILL HAVE TO FACE EACH AND EVERY DAY HAS TONYA HAD HER SURGEY YET?HOW ARE THE GIRLS DOING AND YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. GOD WILL HOLD EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU IN HIS ARMS JUST LET HIM WRAP YOU ALL UP IN HIS ARMS AND GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH YOU ALL NEED GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE IN YOUR FAMILIES. TAKE CARE
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 25, 2008 at 05:56 PM
I think everyone thats still reads this should add the link to their e-mail and send it to eveyone in their "contacts". i just did it myself so this won't die down and for it to also be a prayer chain for the McCullough families.
Posted by: Shelly Location: Central Tx on Aug 25, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I think people should keep reading this site. This story should never be forgotten. How many under age drivers are there still out there? Its sad that when you get in a vehicle now..you have to worry about other drivers, reguardless of the age...people should slow down and look at life. They do post big speed limit signs for those who dont pay attention in Drivers Ed or just dont know the major speeds for rural areas. I am still having a hard time accepting what happened to Marc. Everytime I get into my Ambulance to go to work, I think of him and his family. It seems there are more and more tragic incidents now. The ones that cause the MVCs dont have to see what I see. Yes, I choose my career...but stupidity should not be a factor, in which could cost someone their life. I cant wait to find out if JR is going to go to trial. I am sorry, I think the judge should throw the book at not only him..but the parents as well. Why should the victims have to suffer from someone elses mistake?
Posted by: mom in lumberton Location: lumberton on Aug 23, 2008 at 03:03 PM
I don't think many people are reading this site anymore.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 22, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I guess Jr's friends have "no comment" about what they think should happen to him. they sure didn't have a problem talking in the beginning. Just goes to show their immiturity level. the McCullough families are still in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless them all!
Posted by: Alyson Location: Lumberton on Aug 18, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Thank you Meredith for keeping us posted. I think about you and your family a lot. I hate to hear about Tonya's back. I know the kids at school will miss her. I pray that the girls will enjoy going to school and that it will some how help them in their healing. Sometimes a new routine can help us through pain. I hold my family closer now. My 9 year old was saying his prayers the other night and prayed for the McCollough's. It sent peace in my heart. Just know that the community continues to pray for your family and Tonya's.
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Aug 16, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Hey everyone. I'm still here and have been reading here daily.and have been praying for guidance to write instead of just "going off" on here.so thats why i havent written in a while.everyone is moving forward as well as we can. somedays are harder than others and seems as if the hurt is getting worse. Tonya will be having surgery on her back next week in Houston. The impact of the wreck caused a CSF leak (spinal fluid)in her back. Madelyn and Abigail are doing well playing aroung with their cousins but they also have their moments.Anyone reading this that has common sense probably already understand that this tragedy has impacted them in many ways even the way they act sometimes. Some people have asked whats going on with that kid that KILLED Marc..all i can tell you all right now is that it is being handled "very carefully" by "many" different people..but please know when i am allowed i will let yall know the finality of the situation.Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers!
Posted by: Bonnie Location: Port Arthur on Aug 16, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Just an update for the people who are still wondering about Tonya. Some of us have read or shown her some of the prayers and well wishes on here. She is very grateful for all of them. Tonya has been having alot of problems with her back. Originally the doctors thought it had not been injured. Come to find out, her cerebrospinal fluid leaked out at the base of her spine, and caused a cyst that is pressing on her nerve. There is a more technical and appropriate term for it, but I can't remember what Tonya said it was. It is causing severe pain in her right hip and down her right leg. Tonya goes back into surgery at the end of next week to repair this. Please keep her in your prayers. The girls are doing good. Healing slowly but surely...physically that is. Keep praying for all of theirs emotional strengths. It is indeed going to be a very long road for them, and they are doing their best. Many everyday things are forever changed. Thanks again for all the prayers.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Central Texas on Aug 14, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Just so everyone knows, a permit and drivers education does not give any one the right to get behind a wheel and drive in high rates of speed on the wrong side of the rode. If JR had been paying attention in class or had truly red the book for his test then he would have known that he should not have been driving so fast and he should not have passed a car in a no passing zone. Yes JR has to live with what he did for the rest of his life he took a life! And yes he got hurt, that is a tragedy for him, he knows what death of a close one feels like, many have wrote about his cousin.That was not his father, his son, his husband!!!His parents should be held accountable I believe this was not his first time driving without his license.I am glad he turned his life to a good direction however a life is gone and no acknowledgment has been made from his family in regards to that life.These cars should be made available to view for those under age who consider getting behind a wheel & driving.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2008 at 06:37 AM
To JR's friends, how is he healing and what course of action would you recommend? Just would like to hear the younger generations view. Do you think he should just get off with a ticket or have stiffer consequences? What seems right to you?
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2008 at 06:26 AM
That's pretty scary that it is up to a state trooper as to which path this case will take. I never knew they had that much say so. I would hate to be that state trooper, that is a lot to have put on your shoulders.
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Aug 9, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Tonya and the girls are steadily healing. At the last doctor's appointment, Abigail got all three casts off and Tonya was told that everything is moving in the right direction. It will still be a couple months before she is functioning normally, but she is starting to walk without a walker and all. As far as the boy, we are still not sure what will happen. Unfortunately, we may not ever be able to find out anything because of his age. It is strictly up to the State Trooper whether he will give the case to juvenile probation or the DA. At that point, if it goes to the DA, he gets to choose if the case should be brought before a grand jury or not. It is quite frustrating to our family to know that this boy may actually get away with killing Marc with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. I know many people have talked about what a "good guy" JR is, but we haven't even received an apology or acknowledgment up to this point. Thanks for your continual support and prayers!
Posted by: MOODY Location: MOODY on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:44 PM
I WAS WONDERING IF WE COULD GET AN UPDATE ON HOW TONYA, THE GIRLS AND FAMILY WERE DOING. YOU ALL ARE IN MY PRAYERS EVERY DAY. I DONT EVEN KNOW ANYONE HERE BUT FOR SOME REASON IT FEELS LIKE I DO. I REALLY DO FILL FOR THIS FAMILY. I HOPE IN TIME YOUR WOUNDS AND HEARTS WILL HEAL. I KNOW IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN BUT WITH GODS HANDS YOU WILL HEAL. I WAS ALSO WONDERING IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THE FIFTEEN YEAR OLD LIKE HOW HE WILL BE PUNISHED FOR THIS CRIME I KNOW HE HAS TO LIVE WITH THIS FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE AND WE ARE TO FORGIVE AND FORGET BECAUSE GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL HIS CHILDREN BUT SOMETHING BY LAW NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS MAY YOUR FAMILY GET JUSTICE . GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU............
Posted by: Concerned Location: Lumberton on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:41 PM
I'm happy to know the JR has turned his life around and yes, he will have to live with what he has done everyday from now on out. It will only be when he is a father himself that he will fully realize the pain his actions have inflicted on this family. I hope he and his friends also realizes and remember there are consequences for our actions and now JR has to face the consequences of breaking the law when he chose to drive alone without a legal DL. To other teens please realize that a learners permit is just that, a LEARNERS permit and not a valid DL that allows you to be driving alone. Also, as a christian, our actions are a witness to others who are watching and we have to be vigilant of this, which means we are to be law abiding people. To all teens, remember nothing is being asked of you that was not asked of the majority of us. We all have to wait until we had a DL to drive, even those of us who lived in small towns, our parents saw to it we learned to follow the law.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Both of these families are in my prayers and im sorry that a life was lost. I know the 15 year old not that well but i did know him a bit. All i have to say is that i have once been in a car accident nobody was severly injured but one thing is for sure not a moment in my life goes by that i dont think of what could have happened. So yea a few months might pass by but the 15 year old will never forget what did happend and how much damaged he caused to a family. He'll remember this for the rest of his life. And im not trying to make excuse but what if he was driving for a reason and important reason i know thats no acceptable but its just a thought. I'm sorry that a family lost someone they cared and loved very deeply,ur family will be in my prayers.
Posted by: Mayra Location: belton on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:37 PM
wen he was younger.He has gone through a lot.So for everyone who says he dont,think again.What he did was wrong and now he has to live with it every single day of his life,cuz this is not something that is easy to forget.I am not justifying what he did,im just trying to make things clear.As for the family of Marc ii am sincerly sorry for your loss.II pray to God that something like that never happens to me.II will keep you in my prayers and pray to the Lord that he give you strength to overcome this obstacle that he has put in your path.Just remember that He has somthing planned for you because God does not make mistake[unlike JR].Please keep me updated on your family and on JR also!And if anyone knows of where ii can get more information on this story please let me know.Thank you and please keep BOTH families in your prayers!!!
Posted by: Mayra Location: Belton on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Well ii just finished reading all the comments that peple have posted in the last couple of months and well ii have much to say.First of all ii am a close friend of JR and it hurts me to read all the comments that people have posted about him.You judge him as an immature teen without even knowin anything about him!He really was a nice kid who turned his life around.He was starting to grow more into his faith and become more involved in his church.In fact this weekend he was suppose to attend a youth retreat which he had been planing on going for a year now as staff and give a speech.(we all missed him very much!)As for everyone that was saying he didnt have expirience driving,he did.He had been driving his parents tahoe before with his parents being in the vehicle.He had a drivers permit and he was attending drivers ed.And please dont judge his family or make assumptions of how they are feeling.They too are feeling pain and know how Marcs family feels.JR lost a cousin VERY close to him.
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Aug 1, 2008 at 09:35 PM
To those of you who are still reading this, thanks for your continued prayers. Today was Marc & Tonya's 10th wedding anniversary. She's had a hard one. Also, Marc's mom has a tradition of making a quilt for each of her children when they graduate high school, for each new baby born and for their 10 yr anniv. Needless to say, it was a difficult day for her too. Please continue to pray for our entire family that peace would reign and healing would come.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Lumberton, TX on Aug 1, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Please continue the prayers for these family's, and remember to say an extra prayer for Tonya today (August 1). For those that don't know, today would have been Marc and Tonya's 10 year wedding anniversary. I can only imagine that this day will be one of the hardest for her. Tonya---may the special love and happy memories that you and Marc shared help the pain your heart is feeling today and always. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!!
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Jul 31, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Moody, Tonya and the girls are doing well. All injuries are pretty much ok.Dr. said Tonya pelvis healing well and Abigail got all her casts off. Madelyn speaking of the wreck and her Daddy daily. which we are all glad b/c shes getting it out. And she was the only one who saw Marc dead in the car...so its still very real to her and will always be. Can any of you that have children that have been keeping up with our story imagine losing one of them? I cannot! My brothers and I are just lost without Marc to say the least!!! And I CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE THE PAIN MY PARENTS ARE FEELING!!! We all were soooo close to Marc and each other..AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN! Now we are left with the reality that my parents oldest son and our brother is gone...THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE WHAT WE ALL ARE FEELING!! I hope and pray that you all will continue to pray for my family..Thank you ALL!!
Posted by: MOODY Location: MOODY,TX on Jul 31, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I KEEP CHECKING THIS SITE EVERY DAY TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANYMORE POST ON HERE AND IVE NOTICED ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE ANYONE HAS POSTED ANYTHING YOR FAMILY IS IN MY PRAYERS EVERY DAY AND NIGHT I HATE TO ASK BUT HOW IS EVERYONE DOING I KNOW ITS NOT GOOD BUT I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KEEP UP WITH THIS STORY BECAUSE IT JUST HIT ME SO CLOSE TO HOME I AM SO SORRY YOUR FAMILY HAS TO GO THROUGH ALL THIS PAIN I COULD NOT EVEN IMAGINE THE PAIN ON APRIL 19TH WE HAD TO YOUNG GIRLS HIT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD HERE IN MOODY AND THE PERSON LEFT THE SENE OF THE ACCIDENT AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT THE STORY HAS BEEN FORGOTTEN ONE OF THE GIRLS HAD A LITTLE BABY AND NOW THAT BABY HAS TO GROW UP WITHOUT ITS MOMMY I JUST HOPE YOUR FAMILY GETS JUSTICE BECAUSE TONYA AND THOSE LITTLE GIRLS DONT DESERVE THIS PAIN GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU
Posted by: moody Location: moody,tx on Jul 26, 2008 at 05:27 PM
I WOULD LOVE TO HELP ANYWAY I CAN ALSO THIS FAMILY HAS SUFFERED ENOUGH FROM THE MISTAKES OF THE CARELESSNESS OF A FIFFTEEN YEAR OLD IF THEY CAN PUT AWAY A EIGHTEEN YEAR OLD IN WEST FOR KILLING A COUSIN FROM BEING DRUNK THEN THEY CAN PUNISH THIS FIFTEEN YEAR OLD IT JUST MAKES ME ANGRY THAT THE LAW CAN PUT AWAY INNOCENT PEOPLE BUT THE ONES WHO DESERVE PUNISHMENT CAN GET AWAY WITH MURDER JUSTICE NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR THIS FAMILY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU.
Posted by: Darci on Jul 26, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Let your pain for this family be heard by writing a letter to the district attorney. Please encourage him to take his time while reviewing this case. Also please keep D.A. Henry Garza in your prayers, for the mental clarity, focus, knowledge, and wisdom he will need when reviewing this case. DISTRICT COURTS BUILDING ATTN: D. A. HENRY GARZA P.O. BOX 540 BELTON, TEXAS 76513 ~Don't let Marc's death go unheard~
Posted by: Anonymous Location: buckholts on Jul 25, 2008 at 05:41 PM
i agree!!! here's the web address..with all info you will need... http://www.bellcountytx.com/da/home.htm
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Jul 25, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Here is a link to the Bell County DA. http://www.bellcountytx.com/da/home.htm We are working on writing some letters to the editor of local papers and a few other things to keep this all fresh in people's minds. Our family GREATLY appreciates any help in keeping Marc's memory and the girls' future in the public eye.
Posted by: mom in lumberton Location: lumberton on Jul 25, 2008 at 03:37 PM
I'll write if you post a name and address.
Posted by: Nana Location: Lumberton on Jul 25, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Darci, I agree, we all need to send letters to the DA and let him know that this case is being watch. God bless the Bailey and McCullough families.
Posted by: Darci on Jul 25, 2008 at 01:12 PM
What's the DA's name and mailing address? I would like to mail him a letter. I don't want him to just speed read this file and move on to the next.
Posted by: Darci on Jul 25, 2008 at 12:47 PM
It makes me sick and angry that Marc lost his life as a result of someone elses bad choices. I still cry almost everyday for all of the family and Marc. I can't imagine the enormous level of grief they must be going through. Many prayers to the McCullough and Bailey family members. I absolutely hate that all this happened.
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Jul 25, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Anonymous- You asked what happened to the boy. We don't know too much, but we do know that nothing has happened yet. We know he sustained some broken bones and may be in a wheelchair for right now. As far as any charges being brought, it is up to the DA to decide if this even goes before a grand jury. Because of his age, he could actually get away with a ticket. We are still waiting on a final accident report and the autopsy report; that's why we need people in the area to make sure that this case does not just fade away.
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Moody, Thank you for your thoughtfulness and prayers during this DEVESTATING time. Marc was truley a wonderful person!IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE!!!Never was he in a bad mood or had a bad attitude..even when he brought Madelyn to school in a.m., worked all day then school at night, then wake up to do it all again..He put his all into everything he did b/c he knew all his actions were for his wife and precious girls. We were all playing this afternoon and Madelyn stopped in her tracks and just sat there..we asked what she was thinking about and she said "I miss my Daddy." I told her that I did too, b/c what her and her cousins were doing at that moment(playing) was what me and her daddy used to do together..that made her smile and she she started playing again.I'm an adult and my heart hurts. I CAN'T IMANGINE HOW HEART FEELS! EVERYDAY is a challenge for us all. Thank you for keeping up with us and this story.Please keep praying for us. We do feel the prayers!!thanks and love, Meredith
Posted by: MOODY on Jul 24, 2008 at 03:27 PM
GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS I HOPE IN TIME YOUR FAMILIES CAN HEEL IVE NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN TO OUR FAMILY AND I JUST COULDNT IMAGINE WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO LIVE WITHOUT MY HUSBAND AND MY CHIDRENS DADDY GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU ALL YOU JUST HAVE TO BE STRONG FOR EACH OTHER AND LOOK TO GOD FOR HE WILL TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING I DO HOPE THAT JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED FOR THE FIFTEEN YEAR OLD AND HIS FAMILY BECAUSE THEY ALL HAVE TO LIVE WITH KNOWING THAT THEY CAUSED A YOUNG HUSBAND AND DADDY TO DIE MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES IN THIS TIME OF HEALING THIS STORY FOR SOME REASON HAS JUST HIT SO CLIOSE TO HOME FOR ME AND I HOPE IN TIME YOU ALL WILL BE ABLE TO GET YOUR LIVES BACK I AM SO SORRY FOR ALL OF YOU GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE OF THOSE LITTLE BABIES THEY DONT DESERVE ANY OF THIS THEY ARE SO INNOCENT AND I COULD NOT EVEN IMAGINE THE PAIN THAT IT IS TO TELL HIS LITTLE GIRLS THAT THEIR DAD IS IN HEVEN AND WONT BE BACK YOUR IN MY PRAYERS
Posted by: MOODY on Jul 24, 2008 at 03:16 PM
MY HUSBAND DRIVES A GRAVEL TRUCK AND HE CAME UPON THIS ACCIDENT THAT SUNDAY AND HAD CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT TRAFFIC WAS BACKED UP AND WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT MONDAY THAT THIS WAS THE ACCIDENT I COULDNT BELIEVE IT WAS ALL CAUSED BY A FIFTEEN YEAR OLD I HAVE A FIFTEEN YEAR OLD SON TOO AND HE HAS HIS PERMIT I AM TERRIFIED BECAUSE HE WILL GET HIS LISENCE IN SEPTEMBER HE HAS TAKEN DRIVERS ED BUT I WOULD NEVER ALLOW MY CHILD TO DRIVE ALONE WITH HIS PERMIT WE LIVE IN A SMALL LITTLE COUNTRY TOWN CALLED MOODY TEXAS I CANT EVEN IMAGINE WHAT THE McCULLOUHG'S AND BAILEY FAMILY ARE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW ITS JUST REALLY SAD TO KNOW BECAUSE OF SOME FIFTEEN YEAR OLDS CARELESNESS THAT A WIFE AND TWO KIDS LOST HER HUSBAND AND THEIR DADDY I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THIS STORY SINCE THE DAY IT HAS HAPPENED AND IT JUST REALLY MAKES ME THINK OF HOW SHORT LIFE REALLY CAN BE WHEN I READ ABOUT THE SIX YEAR OLD SAYING SHE SAW HER DADDYS EYES OPEN AND THEN HE SHUT THEM AND WENT TO SLEEP THAT MAKES ME JUST CRY
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Thank you Anonymous for your continued thoughts and prayers. WE ALL are doing pretty badly right now..yesterday was Tonya's birhtday and the WORST yet for Numerous reasons...Madelyn and Abigail are trucking along just fine..Mad talks daily about the accident and her Daddy. Today she said Daddy's eyes were open in the car, then he closed his eyes and went to sleep..My family and I are being strong for them, but in all actuality THEY are our strength!!! They are the walking flesh and blood of my brother!! So they are all we have left of him!! Tonya is having a rough time..to say the least.. Please continue to lift us up in your prayers. THIS KID WILL NEVER KNOW THE PAIN WE ARE FEELING!!!!!!! Thanks to all who still care.
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Jul 23, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Actually, we're glad you asked. This week it will be a month since Marc was killed by an under-aged unlicensed driver, and we still have no word on what will come of that. Tonya and the girls and the rest of the family are doing ok physically; Abi still has 3 casts and goes back to the doctor next week, and Tonya sees the specialist about her pelvis again next week too. However the days have been long and hard as the realization kicks in that Marc is never coming back to us. The burial service was very nice last weekend and there was a lot of support, but our greatest fear is that this story is going to fade away and justice will not be served. We are so far away that it is to hear our voices, so please (if you are a part of the Buckholts/Temple community) make sure that Marc is not forgotten and did not die in vain. We are going to do everything we can to assure that too.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 23, 2008 at 07:26 PM
what happened to the 15 year old? Is he in jail?
Posted by: anonymous on Jul 22, 2008 at 02:47 PM
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE STILL WITH THIS FAMILY.I WAS WONDERING IF WE COULD HAVE A UPDATE.MAY GOD HOLD EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU IN YOUR TIME OF HEALING.GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Jul 18, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we bury Marc Satuday at 10am. Thank you all
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Jul 17, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Shelly, here's my email- Merty7@aol.com Thanks
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Jul 17, 2008 at 08:06 PM
I have tried to post a link for Marc's memory page..hopefully this one will get to yall if anyone would like to view it. http://www.broussardsmortuary.com/memorials.asp?page=mdetail&id=4600
Posted by: Vacker Family Location: Lumberton on Jul 17, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Thanks for all of the updates. I know it has been said before, but it is really appreciated. Tonya was Lauren's teacher this year and we are very concerned for all of them and being able to check their progress is a releif. Please know that we have not forgotton about this tragic accident and we wish all the best. God Bless!
Posted by: Shelly Location: Temple on Jul 17, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Meredith, I dont have your email, you can email me at shellytx911@yahoo.com. I look forward to your email.
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Jul 17, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Shelly, I CANNOT THANK YOU ALL(EMS) ENOUGH FOR BEING THERE FOR MY PRECIOUS GILRS AND TONYA!!!! Yall have a very special place in my heart! I pray for each of you everyday for having to see Marc and all three girls that way. I have to ask you something that Madelyn keeps telling me about. Please email me if you can. THANK YOU AGAIN!! Love, Meredith
Posted by: Shelly Location: Temple on Jul 17, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Meredith, I am so glad to hear all three are recovering well. Many of my coworkers (EMS) still think of themand the wreck. I am so sorry you and your family had to go through this. No one should ever have to be in this situation. I hope the Mad and Abb can overtime forget about the wreck but never forget their daddy. They will look back one day and know how stong of a woman their mommy is and how much their family loves them. You have a very close family and I dont see that too often with my work. Yall are truly blessed. Please continue to update us as we are all keeping your family in our prayers. =)
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Jul 16, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I want to first start off by saying THANK YOU all for not forgetting about my brother, my family or this story..Tonya went to Houston yest. to see her back dr. that did her back surg b/f the accident. and even though she had healed completely the impact of the wreck split her incision wide open. then she went to a Orthopedic trauma dr. today in houston for her pelvis, which is broken in 3 diff. places. she is a little more at peace with her injuries. Her dr. today gave her hope. Madelyn and Abigail are back to playing with their cousins and acting like wild indians..and yes Abs is keeping up as well as she can. Mad still talking daily about her Daddy like "is my Daddy dead" etc..even though we have told her numerous times. i can tell she is just heartbroken but trying to still be a little girl even though a piece of her innocence has been taken away..for this I am INFURIATED!! Along with other reasons..please continue to pray for us all! May God bless you all!! Thanks again,Meredith
Posted by: Nana` Location: Lumberton on Jul 16, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Anonymous, I know how you feel. When it was time for my son to get his DL I didn't feel he was ready and made him wait. I just felt he needed a little more time and maturity under his belt before he was on the road. He wasn't happy about it but I would do it again. Parents know their children better than anyone and as responsible parents that includes making very tough decisions while under our care. God bless.
Posted by: ANONYMOUS on Jul 15, 2008 at 09:12 PM
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY.I DO NOT KNOW ANYONE BUT HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THIS STORY FOR A WHILE NOW.IT REALLY MAKES YOU THINK ABOUT HOW SHORT LIFE REALLY IS AND HOW YOUR LIFE CAN CHANGE IN A BLINK OF AN EYE. I AM MARRIED AND HAVE THREE CHILDREN AGE 15,13,&7.MY 15 TEEN YEAR OLD WILL BE 16 TEEN IN SEPTEMBER . WHICH WILL GET HIS LICENSE AND IT TERRIFIES ME TO EVEN THANK OF HIM DRIVING. YOU JUST HERE SO MUCH STUFF HAPPENING THESE DAYS. I AM ONE OF THOSE PARENTS WHO IS VERY MUCH OVERPROTECTIVE AS MY TWO BOYS SAY BUT THEY JUST DONT UNDERSTAND.EVERYTIME I READ A COMMENT ON HERE ABOUT THE FIFTEEN YEAR OLD BOY THAT CAUSED THIS ACCIDENT I DONT WANT MINE TO EVEN DRIVE. I HOPE IN TIME THIS FAMILY WILL BE ABLE TO HEAL,IT SOUNDS LIKE A VERY LOVING AND CLOSE FAMILY. GOD BLESS TONYA, AND HER GIRLS AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 15, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Tonya and the girls are home!!! Praise God! They got home late last night, and it was obviously a very difficult evening. She is still in so much pain, and she had a 1 1/2 ride to the back dr. in Houston this afternoon. We are all getting together tonight when she returns. The girls are doing very well, but they both have made multiple comments about their daddy. Just keep praying for the entire family over the next few days.
Posted by: Nana Location: Lunberton on Jul 15, 2008 at 12:19 PM
GREAT NEWS!!!!!I know Saturday will be so hard an Tonya and the rest of the family. Please know that you are all in my prayer.
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Jul 14, 2008 at 08:36 PM
We just got this from Natalie: I am proud to to let everyone know that Tonya and the girls are on their way home today! Tonya was released from the hospital! I would like everyone to join us Saturday morning at 10am for Marc's burial. It will be held at Old Hardin Cemetary in Kountze. She will need all the support she can get! Thanks again for all your support and prayers! Love Natalie and Chris
Posted by: Nana Location: Lumberton on Jul 14, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Do we have an update on Tonya and the girls yet? You are al still in our prayers.
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Jul 14, 2008 at 04:30 PM
That last comment was meant for the person who reviews them. A couple of people told me they had sent something that hadn't been posted.
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Jul 14, 2008 at 01:32 PM
I was just wondering why no more comments are being posted here. There are people that are using this as their forum to get updates on our family and their progress. I know it's not because of space because just the other day there was a story on the most discussed list with 300 and something posts. If that is your reason, could you please delete some of the older posts so that we could continue to inform concerned community members about the progress of this story?
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Jul 13, 2008 at 02:40 PM
My husband and I got back last night from visiting Tonya and the girls in Temple. She is doing better. she is getting around slowly by using a walker. still very painful for her all around-physically and emotionally. Madelyn and I had several long talks about her daddy-basically how she misses him and wants her daddy back. I saw her sitting on the couch holding his picture against her face and talking to him. she is very scarred from losing her Daddy. Abigail is crawling all over the place. still with casts on both arms and one leg. but emotionally seems to be doing well. We still have yet to bury Marc because we are waiting on Tonya and the girls return back here at home. Burial is set for Saturday. This has been extremely hard on all of us. Esp. my parents. They live next door to Marc and Tonya and the girls are constantly over at my parents house. With Marc gone and all 3 of the girls still away my parents are just lost.. Please continue to pray for us all. Thank you
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Jul 12, 2008 at 09:17 PM
I'm sure Meredith will give you a better update soon, but just a quick note for you that have asked. Tonya got a day pass from the hospital today to see how she would do, and when I talked to her she sounded great! We are all really hoping they will be coming home sometime this week. Also Marc's burial service will be next Saturday.
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Jul 12, 2008 at 08:44 AM
I know we keep saying it over and over, but seriously, thanks for all of the prayers and concern you guys are sending out for our family. As far as the condition of Tonya and the girls, Meredith is there in Temple this weekend to check on them. We should have a update on them later today. I do know that Tonya is doing physical therapy twice a day for 3 hours at a time. She is progressing well physically, but everytime I talk to her she just tells me that she is constantly praying that this is all a terrible joke or nightmare and Marc is going to come walking through the doors soon. They obviously have a LONG road ahead of them! She is on pain medicine because her injuries are still quite serious; the only thing to do with a broken pelvis and 5 or 6 broken ribs is give them time. Therefore, it seems her conversations are always kind of in and out logically. Just keep praying, and we'll keep updating. You guys are great!!!
Posted by: WAKE UP CALL Location: Lumberton on Jul 12, 2008 at 12:38 AM
There needs to be stricter standards and laws on teen drivers especially on ones with learning permits. Teens' level of maturity today is not the same as it was 20 years ago. Not to mention the increase in speed limit and the use of cell phones added to the mix. I can't tell you how many young people I see driving that have a cell phone stuck to their ear or are texting while driving. I think this accident should be a huge wake up call to us all and we should call our members of congress and local officials with suggestions of how to make the laws on teen drivers more in tune with our day in age. Continued prayers to the families of the victims.
Posted by: Godstxgirl Location: Beaumont on Jul 11, 2008 at 06:31 PM
I am from the Central Tx area and still have family & friends there if there is any way that I can help Tonya or her family such as the Ronald McDonald house, etc. Please keep us posted on her progress and when they might be coming home.
Posted by: Nana Location: Lumberton on Jul 11, 2008 at 03:32 PM
Christy, AMEN!! McCullough and Bailey families, please know you all are still in our prayers and thoughts. I hope this discussion will stay active for a couple of reasons. 1) So others will remember this when on the hwy. and be more careful, especial the youth. 2) To remind the court system that it is being watch very closely to see what actions will be taken. I hope it doesn't fall off the radar like Angela Hardwick case did in our area.
Posted by: christy Location: temple on Jul 11, 2008 at 04:36 AM
meredith and family...please don't think rude of me for saying it needs to stay on here....i know how much you are hurting....my best friend was just killed in a head on motorcycle crash because an 18 year old couldn't stay off the phone long enough and passed in a no passing zone..i think it needs to be on here for other parents to read and to learn from when they let their kids go out driving before they are ready......my prayers are out to you family.....may god bless you and yours and keep his arms around you
Posted by: Meredith Location: Lumberton on Jul 10, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Yes mam Shelly...very hard! I have tried to call Marc several times to ask him a question or tell him something funny like we would do daily..but i then realize after i dialed his number that hes not there. and will never be there to talk to or laugh with again.and when i see his truck in his driveway knowing we wont pass each other and do our goofy hand signals to each other anymore-like we did daily..oh..how my heart hurts..along with everyone else's. Our sibling bond was like no other! I just hope and pray like you said Shelly:that these girls remember how wonderful their daddy was. He LOVED Tonya and his little girls with his whole heart and acted on his love for them. He was never too busy for any of them! He loved the way a Husband and Father should love. He truley was one of a kind. Thank You for not "sweeping" this under the rug..I am truley blessed to have had a Big brother like him.
Posted by: MEREDITH Location: LUMBERTON on Jul 10, 2008 at 06:47 PM
Please continue to keep us in your prayers! love to all! Meredith
Posted by: shelly Location: Bell Co on Jul 10, 2008 at 05:02 PM
The truth hurts.....Maybe they should of thought of the consequences...KWTX has nothing to do with it....My heart and prayers are with Marcs family. I pray the little girls will be able to put this behind them and never forget how wonderful their dad was...Thanks for the updates on Tonya and the girls, I am sure its been hard on you two as well...
Posted by: Me Location: Bell on Jul 10, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Please don't think I'm trying to be rude. That's just how it is with the news. On your left there is the CBS News Headlines. Click on any one of the links and there is a comment section below it. We can't just go telling news stations to stop comments or take off news stories because we feel personally hurt or don't agree with other's views...it just doesn't work that way.
Posted by: Me Location: Bell on Jul 10, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Amen Christy in Temple! This is a news story and you can't just tell this station to take the story off because you don't like the comments. Look over at your right in Most Discussed ... "Tearful Teenager Escorted From Courtroom After Receiving Prison Sentence" --- it currently has 341 comments. Once your in the news, it's here to stay. Non licensed juveniles driving in OUR area is a concern to all our citizens. Don't click on here and read if you don't like the comments.... it's a very simple concept.
Posted by: christy Location: temple on Jul 10, 2008 at 01:04 PM
You people that have commented on KWTX letting this go to far.....ever heard of the First Ammendmant.....and furthermore....you are still on here reading it and posting...are you not.....
Posted by: Diana Location: Beaumont on Jul 10, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I agree with the person commenting on KWTX going a little too far allowing these comments online. Enough is enough! Leave these people alone!!!!! Let both families grieve in peace.
Posted by: Jami Location: Lumberton on Jul 10, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Thank you so much Michael , Meredith and Krystal for keeping us informed abut Tonya and the girl's condition. We have been praying for each of you daily and are hopeful that peace and comfort will continue to help you through each day. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do.
Posted by: me Location: Texas on Jul 9, 2008 at 11:23 AM
To all those who say that at least he still has his parents, or that they will see him do this and that, all I can say is THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW THE HOUR THE LORD IS COMING, I know this well having lost so many to accidents and illness.
Posted by: enough Location: Texas on Jul 9, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Enough is enough to KWTX, this is getting out of hand. We have enough problems with people losing their life in this world. Lets take this off already because people are really starting to say hurtful things to each other. I'm sure your getting a kick out of all this is it making the station more popular or more money, because this is what it really is all about the station becoming #1 at other peoples expense.
Posted by: Me Location: Bell on Jul 9, 2008 at 10:13 AM
It sounds like the boy's parents are intelligent people. I don't know which is more disturbing... parents that may not understand the law to teach their kids OR intelligent parents that blatantly refuse to make their kids obey the law. It's been said this boy has been driving alone since he was 13 yrs old. Other commenters have said they let their nonlicensed young teens make "quick" trips to the store. Something is very wrong with this picture and very frightening!
Posted by: Darci on Jul 9, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I am sorry, I know this is not the right way to be, but I have a great deal of anger and frustration over this entire situation. It angers me that it happened when it could have been easily prevented.It hurts to watch my friend hope it's all a nightmare and that Marc is going to walk through the door. Praying for the McCullough and Bailey families.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 9, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Does anyone know JR's condition? Is he still in the hospital as well?
Posted by: Krystal Location: Beaumont on Jul 9, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Cara, I have talked to Tonya about the food situation. Right now, she is pretty much eating the hospital food, but that's a good idea about meals for her family. I'll ask that when I talk to her or her parents next. As far as when they get home, the girls are a somewhat picky eaters but i do know they love spaghetti and pretty much any kind of chicken. We're starting to freeze some stuff for them now. Also, there has been an account opened to help with such things. If you're interested in that, you can find the info on broussardsmortuary.com It looks like it will be at least another week before they are able to come home, but we'll definitely keep you guys posted as we find out more. Thanks again for all of your thoughtfulness and prayers.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 9, 2008 at 07:54 AM
I don't know what to say but im sorry for both familys. I understand its hard to lose a loved one but i can also undersand at the age of 15 loseing everything maybe even going to jail. at lest the father got to have childern and find the love of his life we will all cry for the loss of him and thank god the mothers still here but how many people the die on that end of 190 alot i know of 3 my self and i know everyone in that area knows at lest 3 or that have died i blame the goverment and 2 lane highways there death traps everyone pointing finger should think about righting our congresman to get that road fixed so things like this wont happen and that road will be safer God Bless both familys in there time of need remember the 15 year old boy has to live the rest of his life knowing that he killed someone not just someone but a father he will need lots of help to deal with this im sure hes never took alife befor that day and god bless the mom and i hope she can be stroge for her girls
Posted by: we care Location: Buckholts on Jul 8, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Just wanted to say that the comments coming form Buckholts are not from JR's family. JR's family does know what it feels like to lose family members. He had a 6 yr.old cousin was killed while waiting for the school bus. Also another cousin killed in an automobile accident, and one that was missing for 2 days and found in his truck half sumerged in the water after an accident. His dad also puts his life on the line every time he is called out