Mother, 3 children
die in auto accident

One week ago, four lives ended abruptly as result of a two-vehicle collision in Springfield. The impact from that accident has affected families and communities throughout central Kentucky.
Melanie Wise, 31, Madeline, 7, David, 6, and Charlotte, 1, died as a result of an accident that occurred around 8 a.m., April 25, two miles south of Springfield on KY 55.
Carrie Lee Spalding, a cousin of Melanie's husband, Curtis Wise, said the loss is "unimaginable".
"They were the sweetest little family in the world." Spalding said. "They were beautiful, all of them."
Melanie Wise and her children will be remembered by friends and family throughout the region, many of whom live in Marion County.
Madeline and David were both students at Calvary Elementary School, and Calvary Principal Pam Marks said she and her staffwere very concerned when Madeline and David didn't arrive to school on Wednesday morning . They knew Madeline was determined to maintain her perfect attendance record.
Word of the accident had already reached the school, and Marion County Superintendent Roger Marcum called Calvary around 10:45 Wednesday morning to confirm what Marks and others already suspected. Marks and the school counselor, Charlotte Moffit, then visited each classroom to deliver the tragic news. Marks said she was grateful to have the Family Resource Center staff, central office personnel and counselors from other schools available to help.
"It was indeed a very difficult and heart-wrenching task," Marks said.

The accident...
On the morning of April 25, Melanie Wise, 31, was driving south in a 2003 Buick Rendezvous with her children. Around 8 a.m. two miles south of Springfield on KY 55, she crossed into the path of a 1991 Mack semi tractor-trailor hauling road equipment, driven by James E. Browning, 62, of Lebanon, according to the Kentucky State Police,. Wise and her three children died as a result of the collision. Browning was taken to Spring View Hospital where he was treated and released.

Exceptional Students...
Madeline was a student in Janet Mattingly's second-grade class at Calvary. Mattingly described her as having a zest for everything and as an inspiration to other students.
"Madeline was such a bright star in our class." Mattingly said. "She was the type of student any teacher any teacher would dream of having."
Mattingly added that she remembered Madeline's sweet voice standing out when a small group of students recently performed "God Bless America".
"Our class has been left with an emptiness that cannot be filled, but we all feel blessed to have shared in her life," Mattingly said. "As her teacher I know she will hold a special place in my heart."
Marks added that Madeline was a confident, charismatic young girl who was mature beyond her years, and her brother, David, was an enthusiastic kindergartner who loved learning. Both were exceptional students, according to Marks. David's teacher, Jeanne Smith, said he was a sweet student who did not like getting in any trouble.
"He was always wanting to help other children read words they did not know," Smith said.
David served as line leader last Tuesday, and according to Smith, he took his responsibility to heart.
"he liked everyone and became upset if he heard his friends say mean words." she said.
Smith said David also liked to share stories about his family.
"David loved to talk about his sisters and his mom." she said. "He always had great things to say about things his mom did with him."

Like their mother...
Madeline and David may have picked up their academic prowess from their mother. Melanie Wise was one of the top five students in the class of 1993 at Marion County High School. She was Melanie Moore then and as a senior, she had been named the 1993 Washington County Junior Miss. In an article from the Enterprise's 1993 graduation section, Wise also made it a point to show her appreciation to her parents, Bill and Sandra Moore, for their support.
"I'd just like to thank them for pushing me to do my best and for always keeping me on track," she was quoted as saying.
Education is important to the Moore family, as evidenced by the fact that Melanie's parents are both educators. Bill Moore teaches mathematics at St. Catharine College in Springfield. He frequently took his grandchildren to St. Catharine basketball games where everyone got to know his granddaughter, Madeline, as the youngest cheerleader on the squad. While Madeline cheered her younger brother David kept the concession stand in business and energized the fans in attendance.

Other schools affected...

Lebanon Middle School Principal Daniel Imes said his school received several phone calls that fateful morning as well. Sandra Moore, Melanie's motherand the grandmother of Madeline, David and Charlotte, is a special education teacher at Lebanon Middle. Imes said the faculty, staff and the students have pulled togetherto support her during this difficult time.
"We're a close-knit family at Lebanon Middle," Imes said. "We'll do all we can to support her during this difficult time.
At West Marion Elementary, Principal Benji Mattingly said he and his staffwere aware of the accident, but they didn't learn until later in the morning that Browning ws driving the semi tractor-trailor involved in the accident. Browning's wife, Peggy, is a secretary at West Marion.
According to Marcum, Browning wasn't physically injured during the accident, but he is working through the emtional effects.
Principal Mattingly said he and several of his staff members knew the individuals involved. He added that he grew up with Melanie Wise and has many memories of her from high school.
"This was a very tragic event that has effected numerous student, school members, families and communities," he said. "They all will be missed but not forgotten."

The aftermath...

Melanie was one of four sisters, including her twin, Missy Russell, who her other sisters, Kim O'Daniel and Jennifer Martin, describe as her best friend.
Melanie had a passion to lead others to Christ. As part of that, she was deeply involved in The Emmaus Walk, an event designed to strengthen and uplift others and their faith in Jesus.
Many friends and family members have already pledged to attend the event in her honor later this year. The walk is held twice annually in the spring and fall in Campbellsville each year.
The last week has been difficult, but Melanie's relatives have received "overwhelming" support from family and friends, according to Martin.
"It's what has gotten us through these last few days." Martin said. "We ask that everyone please continue to keep us all in your prayers, and may God bless you all."
To help the many friends Madeline and David left behind, students and staff at Calvary will plant trees in their memory at a later date, Marks said.
Superintendent Marcum likely spoke for many when he shared his thoughts on the accident and its victims last week.
"This is a tragic loss for our school district and community." he said. "As everyone works through the grieving process, I would encourage all of us to support one another and do all we can to support and assist the families that have experienced such an unimaginable loss."
The funeral for Melanie and her three children was held Saturday at Springfield Baptist Church. The church's pastor, Bland Mason, said that the surviving family members have a very strong faith and they are leaning on that faith at this time.
"They are a close family, and both sides know each other and love each other very much." Mason said. "They're finding grace through God right now. They appreciate all the prayers and efforts to show sympathy. It means a lot to these families to know they are loved."
According to O'Daniel, her family will never be the same following the accident.
"Our faith is strong," O'Daniel said, "and what is helping get us through this terrible loss is knowing that we will be with them again some day in Heaven."

Comments

[nicole]

I'm so so so so sorry for your loss. It's been a year since the loss...and it is still unimaginable. :( it has changed everyone in centeral kentucky's lives since the accident. even people who didnt know the Wise or Moore family. or even the four victims. again im so sorry for your loss. and think of you everyday. your family is so strong to me...and you will always be that one special family in my heart! FOREVER!...

[Ella]

Scott and I are so sorry about your loss. You will be in our prayers. Sincerely, Scott and Ella Karch.....