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Parents killed, 2 kids survive head-on crash during move from Surrey to Shuswap

Martel family was going to settle in the Salmon Arm area when tragedy struck
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During a move from Surrey, parents killed in a head-on crash have left behind two children who survived.

sent the boy and girl to hospital, where theyѻýre recovering from serious injuries.

The Martel family vehicle was loaded for a move to the Shuswap-region city when the crash happened that Sunday evening on Highway 1, in the Tappen/Carlin area.

Police said four people were in an eastbound SUV travelling in the westbound lanes when the vehicle collided with a westbound semi-trailer.

Parents Mike and Robin Martel died at the scene, and their children Maverick, 8, and Bailee Jo, 5, are recovering at BC Childrenѻýs Hospital without their mother and father by their side.

Both kids play baseball with Whalley Little League and went to school at Georges Vanier Elementary in Newton, according to Mark Deshane, vice-president of the baseball association.

ѻýThey werenѻýt in our league for a long time because the kids are fairly young,ѻý Deshane said Tuesday (Oct. 11).

ѻýThese kids are going to be in great need,ѻý he added. ѻýAn aunt is taking care of them and sheѻýs here with them now while theyѻýre in hospital. They have serious injuries, and theyѻýll be there for a long time.ѻý

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An online fundraiser launched by Mikeѻýs cousin, Nadine Bouchard of Debden, Sask., has collected $56,250 so far, in an appeal titled .

ѻýThis account is set up to help with anything the children need while being cared for by the loving staff at BC Childrenѻýs Hospital,ѻý the post explains. ѻýAny extra will be placed in trust for the childrenѻýs future.

Maverick has had multiple surgeries for fractures of both leg femurs, Deshane wrote in .

ѻýHe has also had surgeries on a crushed hand. He is no longer in critical condition but is unable to visit at all due to high levels of pain killers and his multiple other injuries. Bailee Jo has had surgeries to fuse her neck as well as a fracture in her lower leg and wrist. They are hopeful she will recover without spinal cord injury.

ѻýOur hearts go out to these two young Whalley players and their family in this time of need.ѻý

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tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com

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Tom Zillich

About the Author: Tom Zillich

I cover entertainment, sports and news for Surrey Now-Leader and Black Press Media
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