"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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:17:22 GMT
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino.
We are learning more about the past of the man currently in police custody in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Sabrina Gianino. 42-year-old Myron Williams is on probation in Michigan for a drug paraphernalia charge. He also has quite a past in Louisiana.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:30:05 GMT
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:43 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:43:34 GMT
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:30:30 GMT
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:28:22 GMT
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:48:50 GMT
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction.
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction two months ago on corruption charges.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
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