A mother and her young daughter died Saturday evening in a terrible two-vehicle rollover crash in southern Indiana. Amanda Wertman and her eight-year-old daughter, Michaela, were killed on the spot while riding back home from a summer day trip.
The wreck happened right at the intersection of State Road 64 and County Road 1000 East, close to the small town of Stendal in Pike County. Emergency crews rushed out to the scene, but there was little they could do to save Amanda or Michaela after the heavy impact rolled the vehicle.
Just hours before the crash, the family and a group of local kids were having the time of their lives at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus. They had spent the day riding rides and splashing around as part of a Girl Scout outing, with no sign of the trouble that lay ahead on the highway.
Amanda was known around her community as a loving mom who always put her kids first. Little Michaela was eight years old, full of energy, and proud to be part of her local Girl Scout troop, making memories with her friends on what was supposed to be a fun summer weekend.
The crash also left four other young children badly hurt, including Amanda’s five-year-old son, Theodore. The little boy survived the rollover but needed immediate emergency care and remains in the hospital while his dad, Simon, stays right by his side.
Folks in Pike County are stepping up to help the family through the worst days of their lives. Local neighbors and friends have already set up online fundraisers to cover funeral costs for Amanda and Michaela, as well as the rising medical bills for young Theodore.
Indiana State Police and local officers are still looking into what caused the two vehicles to collide at the rural intersection. Officials have not released further details on the crash mechanics yet as the investigation stays open.
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