Fundraiser Started For FL Family Following Fatal CT Crash

SORRENTO, FL — On Sunday morning, Derrick Holsinger received the call that every parent dreads: his two children and their mother were involved in a horrific car accident in Connecticut.

The mother lost her life and the two children are currently in the hospital undergoing surgery.
The accident occurred on I-91 in Wethersfield killed three people and another three were injured. The Holsinger children and their mother were traveling with friends.

Derrick Holsinger, who lives in Sorrento, Florida, took the next flight out to be with his family. A fundraiser has been started to support the family. The fundraiser was started by Jessica Cook of Eustis, Florida.

"Both children (Hailyn and Braysen) are currently in the hospital and have been undergoing a lot of surgeries," according to the GoFundMe page. "They are both in a lot of pain. At this time, myself and a lot of close friends want nothing more than to try and help this amazing father out.

"We are asking if you are able to please donate to help take care of the financial responsibilities that are currently raking up from the medical bills down to the traveling cost and expenses. If you are unable to donate, I ask that you please keep Hailyn, Braysen, Derrick, along with the Holsinger Family, their mother's family, and all their friends in your prayers."

As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had raised $776 out of a $15,000 target. You can donate to the family by going to GoFundMe.

State police said the accident happened shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday on I-91 south, north of exit 25.

A tractor-trailer was parked on the highway's right shoulder. A 2003 Lincoln Aviator driven by a Virginia resident was traveling on I-91 south, state police said. The Lincoln then veered into the right lane "for an unknown reason" and struck the rear of the tractor-trailer.

Two people inside the Lincoln Aviator were pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger was taken to Hartford Hospital, where she was pronounced dead due to injuries she sustained during the crash, state police said.

The other three passengers in the Lincoln Aviator were taken to Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

The tractor-trailer driver was not injured and declined medical attention.

This case remains under investigation. The three people confirmed to have died in the crash are: Rebecca Marie Schutte, 36, of Florida, Lacey Marie Price, 32, of Florida, and Kory Watson, 40, of Virginia, state police said.

See related: 3 Killed In Crash On I-91 In Wethersfield, IDs Released: State Police