Updated: Jordan Woman, Son, Injured in Motorhome Crash, Come Home

Faces showed the grief of Jordan Elementary School students and teachers today during a balloon release in memory of third-grade student Jessica Kerber, according to a report by the Chaska Herald.

Jessica was one of the five members of the Kerber family who died, along with several other members injured April 1, after their their box trailer converted into a recreational vehicle lost control and crashed into a ravine on Interstate 35 in Kansas. The matriarch of the family, Pauline Kerber, was finally able to travel home to Jordan, MN, this week, according to a report by the Kansas City Star.

Pauline Kerber, 46, was released from a Kansas hospital, and her son, who was driving the vehicle, Adam Kerber, 17, was transferred Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul. He is in fair condition, according to a KARE 11 News report.

In a prepared statement from the St. Paul hospital, Pauline Kerber called her son a hero and said Adam "did everything he possibly could to save 13 lives," the KARE report said.

At least seven other friends in the vehicle were injured. They were on their way back from a motocross event in Texas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol also confirmed in a news release April 11 that the number of those fatally injured remains at five and the 13 original patients transported to hospitals appear to be progressing.

They said several of them have been treated and released but will require further medical treatment due to the extent of their injuries. They also said Adam and "another patient" who remains in critical condition, are improving. 

Another son of Pauline's, Russell Kerber, 24, said in the statement from Overland Park Regional Medical Center that the family is "one step closer" to being together again now that his mother and Adam have left the Kansas hospital and "for that we are very happy," a Pioneer Press report said.

"We know we have a long road ahead, but the outpouring of love and prayers, have helped us through this tragedy," Russell Kerber said. "Healing is taking place." 

Those killed include Melissa Kerber, 24, of New Prague, Tom Kerber, 25, of New Prague, Jessica Kerber, 10, of Jordan, Joy Kerber, 14, of Jordan, and James Kerber, 12, of Jordan, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The Patrol continues to actively investigate various aspects of the crash. Multiple witnesses still need to be interviewed, including the driver. The initial post-crash investigation on the truck and trailer identified no evidence which may have contributed to the accident; however, the "ECM/brain box" on the truck still has to be downloaded, which may lead to more investigation on both units.

The Kerber family reportedly attends Friendship Church in Shakopee, . 

On the Kerber Family Memorial Facebook Page, several fundraisers are being organized. T-shirts and wristbands are now for sale as a fundraiser and they are also available for sale here – http://www.kerberfundraiser.com/

Be sure to follow Shakopee Patch on Twitter, "Like" us on Facebook, and sign up for our newsletters, which send you updates about stories, breaking news, announcements, events and blogs on our site.