"To be next to them as they left this world and comfort them, thank you," said Rachael Smith.
She chocked back tears as she thanked the drivers who stopped to help 14-year-old Jordan Siegel and his eleven-year-old sister, Ashley. They were two beautiful children taken way too soon in a rollover accident Friday afternoon on U.S. 23.
"They loved each other. They loved life. They loved sports. They loved their parents. They loved their friends. They loved to dance and video games, everything," Smith explained. "They actually loved and respected each other like unconditionally."
The family remembering their loving nature, their fun-loving spirits, their love of sports -- cheerleading and soccer for Ashley and lacrosse, football, basketball and baseball for Jordan. The Siegel family is so grateful for all the love and support they've received. They know they're not the only ones hurting.
"The whole community will never be the same," Smith said. "Life will be different from Friday on. I don't know what normal will ever be."
Michigan State Police are still looking for the driver of a gray or silver Honda Odyssey with paper license plates. Police say that Odyssey cut off the Ford Expedition the kids were riding in causing their step-mother to swerve, lose control and roll the SUV. Inside were four other children, their step-siblings and half-sibling 19-month-old Brooklyn Siegel, who is okay, 14-year-old Madisyn Owens, who is still hospitalized but recovering, Erica and Christopher Fox, both out of the hospital and recovering from broken bones, as is their mother, Dawn Siegel.
"If you know who the person is or you saw something that you might think is that car or that driver, just report it. This can't go on unanswered," said Smith.
A tragedy so deep -- two children, two students at Royal Oak Middle School. Two siblings, Jordan and Ashley, together in death as they always were in life.
"They were always together and protected each other and even in the end, I'm sure they were holding hands as they walked into heaven."
The funeral for the children is Tuesday at The Dorfman Chapel in Farmington Hills.
The family is asking donations be made to two charities in Royal Oak that help underprivileged kids plays sports -- Royal Oak Youth Assistance and the Royal Oak Youth Soccer Association. For more information, you can call Royal Oak Youth Assistance at (248) 546-8282 or visit the Royal Oak Youth Soccer Associations's website at www.roysa.com.
Monday, June 17 2013 9:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 01:27:07 GMT
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
Friday, June 14 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:57:29 GMT
Jurors have gone home without a verdict on the first day of deliberations in the trial of a Detroit police officer charged in the shooting death of a 7-year-old girl.
Jurors have gone home without a verdict on the first day of deliberations in the trial of a Detroit police officer charged in the shooting death of a 7-year-old girl.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:44 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:44:55 GMT
It was a day of dramatic testimony in the manslaughter trial of the Detroit cop charged with killing seven-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones as Officer Joseph Weekley took the stand in his own defense.
It was a day of dramatic testimony in the manslaughter trial of the Detroit cop charged with killing seven-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones as Officer Joseph Weekley took the stand in his own defense.
Monday, June 10 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-06-10 23:55:49 GMT
Testimony got emotional on Monday as the jury heard from Aiyana Jones' grandmother, but the defense questioned whether she has told two different accounts of what happened.
Testimony got emotional on Monday as the jury heard from Aiyana Jones' grandmother, but the defense questioned whether she has told two different accounts of what happened.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:41 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:41:47 GMT
FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss. Once again, the search was futile.
For at least the third time in a decade, FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss. Once again, the search was futile.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:28 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:28:39 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:32 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:32:27 GMT
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed a bill giving local governments in Michigan power to restrict the use of fireworks on the day before, during and after a national holiday.
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed a bill giving local governments in Michigan power to restrict the use of fireworks on the day before, during and after a national holiday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:24 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:24:16 GMT
Kolcraft is recalling more than 96,000 Jeep Liberty strollers after at least 18 people were injured by tire blowouts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.
Kolcraft is recalling more than 96,000 Jeep Liberty strollers after at least 18 people were injured by tire blowouts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:40 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:40:48 GMT
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:45:33 GMT
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.