A young Indiana mother who had just given birth to twins was killed in a freak highway accident after a deer struck by another car was flung into her vehicle’s windshield, according to officials and family members.
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office said the “very tragic accident” occurred on State Road 67 near Paragon on Saturday, Oct. 25, involving two separate vehicles.
According to authorities, a northbound car hit a deer, propelling the animal into the opposite lane, where it smashed through the windshield of a southbound Chevy Blazer.
Local outlet WXIN reported that the first vehicle, a Pontiac, struck the deer before it hit the Chevy. The passenger in the Blazer, identified as 25-year-old Cheyenne Sears, was critically injured and later died.
Sears was airlifted to a nearby hospital, while a juvenile passenger in the backseat was also treated for injuries. Police said there were no injuries reported in the vehicle that initially hit the deer.
Robert Nash, Sears’ cousin, shared on Facebook that she had delivered twins just a week before the crash.
“Last night, our family suffered an unimaginable tragedy,” Nash wrote. “My cousin was killed in a car accident, only a week after giving birth to twins. We are absolutely heartbroken. Her babies will never get the chance to know the incredible mother she already was, and our family is trying our best to surround them with love and support.”
Family members told WXIN that Sears worked at Trilogy Health Services, which later posted a message honoring her life on an online fundraiser created for her family.
“She was a beloved part of our community whose warmth and dedication touched the lives of many residents and families,” the company’s message read. “Her energy, positivity and love for her residents, teammates and community were unmatched. Her commitment to creating meaningful experiences and caring for others will be remembered always.”
As of Monday, the fundraiser had raised more than $41,000 to support her newborn twins and family.
