Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
HEBER CITY — A Utah family said they've learned a tragic lesson about seat belts after a mother and her 3-year-old were killed in a head-on collision Tuesday on U.S. 40.
Utah Highway Patrol said Norma Jones and 3-year-old Rosie Jones died after their Volkswagen Passat collided head-on with a Dodge Ram. According to UHP, the child was ejected and said it's still unclear if Norma Jones was wearing a seat belt.
Jones' two other children in the car, 6-year-old Anthony and 11-year-old Freddie, survived the crash. Initially, UHP reported that no one in the car was restrained, but the department believes Freddie was wearing a seat belt.
"Seeing Freddie stand here with us today really gave me an eye-opener of why you should wear a seat belt. It's a miracle that two of my four are standing today with us," said husband Fred Jones. "What I can say to anybody that is driving a vehicle or has a family and loved ones like me ... I would put that seat belt on."
The family describes Jones as a devoted mother and wife. In fact, they said she was on her way to get a food order from the Heber Food Bank when she was killed.
"The best mother in the world. Was taking care of you, kids," said Norma Garcia, Norma Jones' mother.
Anthony suffered a broken back, ribs, and dislocated hip, according to his dad. He was released from surgery Thursday evening and was said to be recovering. Freddie was scraped up but was present with KSL-TV and spoke with the family.
A family friend has set up a GoFundMe* to help the family, as Fred Jones is now left to care for his five remaining children.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
