Of course, education is a crucial aspect of any child’s development; nothing beats sitting around the dinner table and hearing them discuss what they’ve learned that day.
Unfortunately, the Crustners will never have another opportunity like this. Disaster struck with catastrophic effects just seconds after tiny Payton Crustner smiled for a photo commemorating her first day of fourth grade.
Payton Crustner, 9, was ecstatic before her first day of fourth grade. Tragically, she would not even make it to class before her life was taken from her.
Payton perished as a result of a horrible car accident. The photo of her triumphantly standing with a placard was shot just 10 minutes before the collision, according to Houston’s KHOU TV.
Marcus Wayne Dukes, 18, was driving on the highway when he turned left and swerved into oncoming traffic, according to investigators.
It didn’t take long for him to collide with Miranda Michelle Clark’s car, which was 32 years old at the time.
Miranda had three children in the backseat: Payton, 9, her 16-year-old brother, and an unidentified 3-year-old. Payton was thrown out of the car following the accident, according to KYTX TV. She was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering severe injuries.
Authorities claim Mirada was wearing a seat belt, but Payton was only wearing a lower belt, which failed to keep her safely buckled in. Payton’s sibling, Marcus Dukes, and the unidentified 3-year-old were not wearing seat belts.
Those involved in the collision were transported to the hospital, with Payton’s teen brother critically injured. Fortunately, the other three people involved were only slightly injured and were able to leave the hospital.
A family member has since launched a Facebook collection, with all donations going towards Payton’s burial expenses and her brother’s treatment. Almost $18,000 has been raised so far.
“Payton Lynn Crustner, 9 years old, was taken from this world this morning before her first day of 4th grade; please keep this family in your prayers,” according to the post.
Payton’s family is in our thoughts and prayers during this terrible time. I hope this tale serves as a reminder to everyone about the importance of wearing seat belts. It may seem like an obvious requirement by now, yet some people still ignore it.
Never forget that seat belts, both front and rear, can be the most vital safety component in an automobile.