UPDATE: Fulton County teens cling to life after crash

by Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)

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Broken glass and debris remain along S.R. 19 in Fulton County (WSBT Photo)

Broken glass and debris remain along S.R. 19 in Fulton County (WSBT Photo)

By WSBT News1

FULTON COUNTY — Four Fulton County teenagers are fighting to stay alive after a weekend car crash. In all, that crash sent ten people to the hospital.

It happened about 4:30 Saturday afternoon near the town of Akron, about ten miles east of Rochester.

There are little signs of what happened at the intersection of Division Rd. and S.R. 19 in Fulton County — skid marks, broken glass, a headlight and other car parts.

Bonnie Holloway and her husband watched the aftermath of the crash.

"They were cutting the top off the car that the young people were in," she remembers.

Police say the driver of that car, a 1996 Chrysler Sebring, was westbound on Division St. The driver — 17-year-old Seth Mathis — didn't yield to a Dodge Durango heading north on S.R. 19. The Durango T-boned the Sebring.

At 5:45 p.m. Sunday, hospital personnel at Parkview Hospital in Ft. Wayne reported the conditions of the other passengers in the car.

Trevor Williams, 17; Jessica Imel, 15; Brandon Keller, 18 and Seth Mathias were all in critical condition with serious head injuries.

Courtney Engle, 15, was in fair condition.

All five teenagers were air lifted to Parkview.

Bonnie Holloway says she can relate to how the teenagers' families feel because of her own grandchildren.

"I hope all of them make it," she said.

Some Akron volunteer firefighters told WSBT Sunday that crash is the worst they've ever seen. The two teenagers in the front seat of the car, Mathias and Imel, were wearing seat belts. The passengers in the back seat were not.

School officials said Mathias, Engle and Keller were currently enrolled in the Tippecanoe Valley School District.

Wednesday, Jun 4 at 10:31 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Jess is off of life support and breathing on her own!! Please continue to pray for her!! I dont think she has fully awakened yet, but hopefully soon....

Wednesday, Jun 4 at 8:56 PM Candy wrote ...

To Jessica's family and friends, I pray she makes a full recovery, it may take time, but at least you have time. My heart goes out to all of you. Wanted to let you know I am thinking of you all and hang in there.

Wednesday, Jun 4 at 6:35 PM Anonymous wrote ...

may I ask, who are Jessica's parents?

Wednesday, Jun 4 at 3:12 PM Destiny (WITH UPDATES) wrote ...

Brandon keller's viewing will be this friday from 2-8 at the Bonine funeral home in culver and the funeral will be Saturday at 11 at St. Anne's in Monterey. Brandon will be buried in the Monterey cemetary. For those of you know knew Brandon, you are invited to come show your support to the family and share your memories and love for brandon. And for those of you who didnt know brandon, you are welcome to come show your support for the Bryfogle and Keller Family.

Wednesday, Jun 4 at 2:26 PM Rochester wrote ...

Can anyone tell me how Jessica an the others are today?

Tuesday, Jun 3 at 8:10 PM Keith wrote ...

UPDATE: Brandon was taken off life-support and pasted away last night. Trevor has been upgraded to serious and is breathing on his own and is in & out of consciousness. Seth is still in critical condition. Jessica is also still on life-support and they are having trouble keeping a steady heartbeat. Courtney has been released from the hospital.

Tuesday, Jun 3 at 9:02 AM Anon wrote ...

We can both pray for all involved and ask what happened and the same time. God Bless all involved and I pray other young driver involved LEARN from this crash.

Tuesday, Jun 3 at 8:13 AM A Marine mom wrote ...

Thoughts and prayers are with these children, their parents and their friends. Prayers and thoughts with ALL the students of these children's schools. This is a tough situation and right now we, as a community, need to show the families and friends we support them and hold them up in prayers. God sees the big picture when we see only the tiniest puzzle piece. Regardless of WHY it happened, it happened, let's uplift those involved and not be so quick to put blame on ANYONE.

Tuesday, Jun 3 at 6:01 AM Aunt Karen, Uncle Sal & Adrian wrote ...

It takes a village to raise a child. Today that village will mourn their child. Brandon D. Keller May 5, 1990 - June 2, 2008 We will cherish our memories of him.

Tuesday, Jun 3 at 1:53 AM Rochester Mom wrote ...

It matters not how this accident happened. What matters is that as many people as possible lift these children in prayer! When praises go up, blessings come down. Praise Him that they are alive! Pray His hedge of protection around them! I went to school with some of the parents and cannot imagine being in thier shoes because it could be my own. My heart and prayers are with you all! May God bless and keep you!

Tuesday, Jun 3 at 12:33 AM hayle collins wrote ...

i think people make decitions that chang there lives and these kids have hopefully made a mistake that they will learned from. i am a student at tvms and this isnt the first time some one has got in a car acident this year but with your prayers they will have a better chance of living and i hope you do keep them in your prayers along with their familys, i know i will.

Monday, Jun 2 at 10:09 PM To Respondants of Accident wrote ...

It's going around that a responder is telling a specific personal piece of information about Imel. I'm not saying what on here or who the person is. He knows who he is and what he's saying about the victim. I think his comments about something he noticed should be kept to himself, if it's true he's saying it. Remember, she's underage and you're to be a professional. If it's true, you're making yourself look pretty bad!

Monday, Jun 2 at 9:26 PM Patrick wrote ...

Seth is now off his life support and is breathing on his own now.He woke up and was looking around and was mumbling and he went back to sleep so he's starting to do better.And i was also told that Trevor is awake and talking and Brandon was put back on life support and there giving him another 24 hours so that is good news..So everyone keep praying like you are and we thank you for all your thoughts and prayers..

Monday, Jun 2 at 8:32 PM TEMIA wrote ...

TAMMY, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU ALL... I HOPE SETH AND JESSICA AND ALL OTHERS WHO WERE INVOLVED GET BETTER SOON...

Monday, Jun 2 at 8:04 PM Elle wrote ...

Thoughts and prayers go out to the families and children.

Monday, Jun 2 at 6:18 PM Destiny wrote ...

I am a friend of Brandon and i don't know how well he is doing but we just wanted him to know that his friends and family and praying for him. Everyone loves you brandon and i expect to see your smiling face and curls this summer in the shack. ALSO IF ANYONE HAS ANY UPDATES ON THESE KIDS PLEASE POST IT!

Monday, Jun 2 at 5:40 PM kathy cox wrote ...

my thoughts an prayers go out to the kids an familiesduring this time.seth i love you little cousin with all my heart. i am praying for u. you are in my heart always.

Monday, Jun 2 at 5:24 PM sarah wrote ...

i'm jessica imels cousin. her family is looking at this page just to let everyone know. we ask everyone to keep praying for everyone. we also ask to all the rumors that are being started stop. if you know our family call one of us we all have cell phones. get the truth from us before you spread what someone has told you

Monday, Jun 2 at 4:31 PM mom of one ... wrote ...

two of the kids are waking up ! now.....PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR THEM .. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF THE PRAYERS .......

Monday, Jun 2 at 4:26 PM Caitlin wrote ...

I only know Brandon, but my thoughts are going out to everyone that was in the accident. Accidents are a horrible part of driving and I hope this accident comes out with a happy ending. Brandon- we're supposed to work together again this summer! I can't imagine the place without your huge smile, great laugh and curly hair. :] Get better soon, love! -Caitlin S.

Monday, Jun 2 at 4:15 PM Karen McCarty wrote ...

Tammy, My prayers are with you. my thoughts are constantly with you. I can't get into my car without thinking that it could happen to me. I can't imagine what the kids went through as they had to have SEEN this happening.God will not give you any more than you can handle, so He will give you the strength to get through this. Just remember, " I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." If there's nothing else you can do, you can pray and that is the most important thing.

Monday, Jun 2 at 3:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I am an EMT and a mother of 2 teens. I cant even begin to imagine what these families are going thru. We also should not forget the EMS, Fire Dept & police that covered this horrible accident. This is the kind of accident that wakes you up with bad nightmares. Something that will always be with them. My thoughts and prayers are with the kids, family and rescue workers.

Monday, Jun 2 at 3:25 PM Michimom wrote ...

Keeping all involved in my thoughts and prayers. Accidents happen to everyone, not just teen drivers.

Monday, Jun 2 at 3:09 PM Akron Resident wrote ...

If you can not say anything nice DON'T say anything. The family's do read the news pages also. In less you know this road maybe you should keep your comments to yourself. I just want the family's to know I am sending all my prayers to them and there children that have been involved in the accedient. Anon maybe you should find something else to comment about.

Monday, Jun 2 at 2:06 PM CeeCee wrote ...

Please keep all negative thoughts and comments to tyourselves. Let us all pray for all of the victims to have full and sppedy recoveries. My heart goes out to all of the families involved.

Monday, Jun 2 at 1:35 PM Jill wrote ...

This is for Steve-O. What does age have anything to do with this. I have 18 years old when I started to drive. And I had been driving for about 3 months and I had someone much, much old than me pull right out in front of me. And he sent 6 people including himself and his wife to the hospital. So age have nothing to do with it.

Monday, Jun 2 at 1:05 PM Anon wrote ...

Sorry, but this is a news site not the site for the family. I feel sorry for all involved and pray everyone recovers, but the causes MUST be know so work can be done to prevent future crashes. Everyone comments how dangerous the intersection is, how many cars travel this intersection daily without a crsh. Sadly, in EVERY crash someone is at fault, like it or not. Again, I pray all recover, but we MUST learn from these tragedies.

Monday, Jun 2 at 1:02 PM mother of a teen wrote ...

I pray that everyone will be ok following this accident. i also pray for the relatives, I can't imagine going through this. As a mom of 4 children,2 of them teens, just getting their drivers license, I did show them the picture of the car from the other news station, I felt it might show them how important it is to be alert, not just themselves,but to also be alert of other cars on the road.As with anything always be aware of your surroundings,accidents do happen,a picture can paint a 1000 words

Monday, Jun 2 at 12:50 PM " Mother " , to all the kids involved... wrote ...

Please pray for these children , They need us , there are so many stories going around , but the one girl who was in the car , knows for a fact that the driver , my son Seth , did stop. and then had to creep out into the intersection to see if there was anyone coming . So the people who keep speculating , Please think twice before , you comment or judge ... These kids need us , they need your Prayers ...there are still 4 in comas , clinging for their lives as I am writting this .... Tammy M.

Monday, Jun 2 at 11:56 AM Melody Miller wrote ...

Please be kind and remember family members are reading these comments. Thank you to all who are Praying we can feel your Prayers. I AM Jessica Imels aunt and behalf of the JESSICA IMEL FAMILY WE THANK YOU AND COVET YOUR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS. Melody Miller

Monday, Jun 2 at 11:53 AM Debbie wrote ...

My hearts and prayers with those kids and their families. We have had these same things happen in Plymouth at a bad intersection that has since been fixed.

Monday, Jun 2 at 11:36 AM Akron Resident wrote ...

I would like to say i live about 2 miles from the intersection of 19 and division rd. That is a bad intersection and it could have been anybody. I think wsbt has more respect for the family's then wndu. When I seen the car on Wndu that just about mad me sick that they would show the car. I think we should all pray for these kids instead laying blame on them. If you can not say anything nice don't leave a comment. It could have been you just as easy as them. My prayers are with these kids and fam

Monday, Jun 2 at 11:07 AM Steve-O wrote ...

And that is why we need to raise the driving age to 18yrs

Monday, Jun 2 at 11:03 AM Ashley Housouer wrote ...

God bless you guys and I pray every one of you comes out of this saftly. Seth, Trevor, you may not have liked me much when we went to school together at Tippi, but I am still going to hope and pray you guys get out of this alive and well. I also hope your friends get out of this alive as well........

Monday, Jun 2 at 10:48 AM Ashley Housouer wrote ...

I used to go to school with Seth and Trever. I was devistated when i seen the news at like midnight last night....I am just glad that they all servived. Hold strong guys, you can make it through this.........

Monday, Jun 2 at 10:40 AM Tami wrote ...

I wish everyone well and a good recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved. This could've happened to anybody. Just remember to look "twice" in different ways when you are at any intersection.

Monday, Jun 2 at 10:31 AM Resident wrote ...

I totally agree this is a terrible intersection off of 19! My thoughts and prayers to kids and their families.

Monday, Jun 2 at 10:10 AM rochester high school students wrote ...

jessica is a student here where we go. we hope she gets better and she's in our prayers.<3

Monday, Jun 2 at 9:58 AM Linda wrote ...

I am 56 and I can remember driving without a seatbelt, driving to fast, to many kids in one car, etc etc. Those things happen especially when you are young and inexperienced but nonetheless accidents happen in the snap of a finger and I hope you are all fine and go on to live the full productive lives you deserve.

Monday, Jun 2 at 9:51 AM AJ wrote ...

I actually go to school with Imel...We're all waiting for her to return safely... we're prayin for ya Jessica!

Monday, Jun 2 at 9:42 AM Mary wrote ...

Let's quit blaming. It was an ancident and lives of precious loved ones are in God's hands. Let us pray for each victim and his or her family; I just went through the car/train crash at Hanna where 3 young men were killed. Blame did not bring anyone back. Love and prayer helped the students and families cope.

Monday, Jun 2 at 9:16 AM jorenz wrote ...

god bless everyone involved.

Monday, Jun 2 at 8:58 AM Concerned wrote ...

Why is it that someone has to be so negative as to say yet another teen accident due to failing to obey the laws. These kids' families are going through the hardest time they will probably ever go through and that's what you say? From other comments left, obviously it's a tough intersection. Instead of criticizing maybe you should say helpful uplifting words. Is that really too much?

Monday, Jun 2 at 8:51 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I came across this accident on Saturday before any police or help had arived. My thoughts and prayers go out to these kids.

Monday, Jun 2 at 8:43 AM Akron Resident. wrote ...

I applaud WSBT on their tact in handling this story, out of respect for the families of those involved, and the emergency workers who worked so hard during the aftermath. The footage of the vehicle should not of been aired by WNDU nor should it of been allowed to be taped. The vehicle was covered with a tarp for a reason. Due to the severity of the crash and injuries that the occupants of the vehicle sustained. I appreciate WSBT in airing this story professionally.

Monday, Jun 2 at 8:27 AM A mother wrote ...

I think that we all need to take a moment and think in our times of driving that we have made mistakes too. Accidents happen, learn from it and move on. Dont blame anyone-everything happens for a reason. My heart and prayers go out to everyone involved. I hate that road and intersection, its horrible and you cant see. Seems to me like a lot of people need to stop griping and start offering help, love, and prayers to the families involved. HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOUR CHILD WAS INVOLVED?

Monday, Jun 2 at 7:56 AM Linda wrote ...

Let God work his powers and see what happens. Miracles can and do happen.

Monday, Jun 2 at 7:42 AM Akron res wrote ...

That is a bad intersection. I plan my trips a different route because it's hard to see going east or west coming off Division Rd. Some of us have been lucky when we've had close calls. Thank God that all 10 people survived. Some of a long road to recovery ahead of them. Prayers are going up everyday for you.

Monday, Jun 2 at 7:35 AM Gary wrote ...

know some of these kids, know the area well...that is a bad intersection which i avoid during the summer. the front of the vehicle has to be in one of SR 19 lanes to see. it's ridiculous.

Monday, Jun 2 at 7:24 AM RAJ wrote ...

God bless these children and their families.

Monday, Jun 2 at 3:29 AM Anon wrote ...

I live 5 miles from the area they wrecked. There are many roads off of 19 where you are practically unable to see nearby cars coming from the other direction (most roads being within 2 miles of the high school). I was wondering how many children will die until somebody does something about this.

Sunday, Jun 1 at 11:42 PM Staci(Mathias)Goodwin wrote ...

I love you little brother and you are going to be fine. Hoping I can be there with you soon. I love you!! My prayers and thoughts are with all of his friends and thier familes that were with him the night of the crash. God Bless.

Sunday, Jun 1 at 11:29 PM Anon wrote ...

Once again a car of kids are involved in a serious crash because they failed to obey the traffic laws. Please parents, tell your kids to be careful driving and tell them to wear seat belts front AND back seat, the law requires it. I hope they all recover in time.

Sunday, Jun 1 at 11:10 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Prayers and thoughts go out to all involved in this horrible accident.

Sunday, Jun 1 at 9:19 PM Anonymous wrote ...

God Bless these kids, and their families. I hope they come out of this ok.

Sunday, Jun 1 at 8:23 PM Bonnie wrote ...

My thoughts and prayers go out to the children and their families during this time. My family went through this and I know what they are all going through. God Bless

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