The small town of Wolcottville, Indiana, is still in shock after a terrible tragedy earlier this September.
Rebecca Hughes, who was 32 years old, was found dead along with her three children: 8-year-old Evelyn, 6-year-old Allison, and 5-year-old Amelia.
On September 17, police went to check on Hughes at her home and found her body along with her children’s.
The Indiana State Police sent detectives and crime scene investigators to the home. Police stated that the information and evidence they have shows there is no threat to the public.
While the investigation is still going on, authorities have not yet figured out what caused the tragedy, according to WSBT22. The Noble County Coroner’s Office has not released the cause of death or a toxicology report.
This heartbreaking news has deeply affected the close-knit community of Wolcottville, which has about 1,000 residents. As people learned the names of the family, many gathered to mourn and pay their respects. Main Street was filled with candles and stuffed animals, creating a touching tribute to the lost family.
Local pastor Mike Stanley told WSBT22, “Everybody’s grieving in their own way. If we come together and share that love… there are people here that I don’t know from the community, and I’ve lived here for twenty-some-odd years. But if we share the hurt, we share the burden; it all gets a little lighter for all of us.”
The children’s father, Jonathan Newell, set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs. He also shared a moving statement. “These kids deserve so much more than I can provide for their burials. Rebecca, their mom, took them with her when she passed on 09/17/2024. If you can, everything helps. If you need to be paid back after, I can make payments. I’ll do whatever it takes,” Jonathan wrote.
The community came together to support Jonathan and the children. By the end of the fundraising campaign, he had received an amazing $47,000 in donations. “People who didn’t even know me or my kids started just giving money and sending messages,” Jonathan told ABC57.
On Sunday, September 22, funeral services were held at Hite Funeral Home for the girls, followed by a burial at Swan Cemetery. In another update on September 24, Jonathan wrote, “The funeral was beautiful, and my daughters were laid to rest in peace. Please stop donating now; I appreciate everything, but others need this now. Tomorrow I will start personal thank yous again.”
At this point, no one knows for sure what happened to the girls, as nothing has been made public. However, interviews with Jonathan, the father, and Rebecca’s friends show that Rebecca struggled with mental health issues.
Friend Ashley Gross posted on Facebook, describing Rebecca as “quiet and shy” around strangers but “so funny and bubbly” with friends. She added, “Rebecca did love her kids, and unfortunately, I don’t think anyone was there for her as she was going through something, mentally and emotionally.”
In the wake of the tragedy, Jonathan has shared an important message. He expressed regret for not being more present and hopes others can avoid feeling the same way. “If you are a parent, and you have kids, and you need help, then get it. Because you don’t know when it’s going to be the last time you can,” he pleaded.
This is the amazing tale of Amanda, an animal lover who stunned everyone with a gesture.
On a lonely road in the Evan’s Creek Mountains, a car spotted a scared dog. The dog was so hungry that he became really aggressive and would not let anyone touch him. The dog was later given the name Bear.
The motorist took some pictures of Bear and posted them to social media in an attempt to gather some help. Amanda decided to help Bear straight immediately after learning about him, postponing her plans.
Amanda and her friend Dylan started the hunt in the hopes of finding the dog, despite her family’s warnings not to go since it’s dangerous.
They found the dog after many hours of hunting, but Bear was understandably terrified and did not allow anyone to get close to him. They tried luring him with food, snacks, and a host of odd tactics, but it didn’t work. As night fell, Amanda and her friend had to head back home, but they returned the next day.
After a few more fruitless attempts, they devised a fresh plan to draw Bear when they found him in the same spot the following day. Amanda made the decision to “play it dead” by lying down on the ground in an attempt to convince the dog that she needed help.
A few hours after Amanda had lain still on the ground, an event occurred that won the hearts of innumerable animal lovers worldwide.
Bear assumed Amanda needed help and proceeded to scent her for twenty minutes before making contact. After a while the dog got bored and moved on, but Amanda persisted.
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After a few moments, Bear turned and sat down by Amanda, as if trying to let her know he was with her.
A few more hours later, Amanda managed to gain Bear’s trust and persuade him that his intentions were solely focused on hers. Bear went with Amanda to the car, and they headed straight to the veterinarian.
After receiving care and treatment, Bear was chosen for adoption by a family shortly after he regained his strength. The dog now has a loving family and a dwelling of his own, so he is no longer compelled to live on the streets.
Bear’s attempt to assist Amanda while she was on the ground provides insight into the character of this magnificent canine.
Naturally, for her efforts to save Bear, Amanda deserves our deepest admiration and appreciation.
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