An East Tennessee family is enduring the profound grief of losing their one-year-old child, Oakley Montague, after a tragic vehicle fire on Norris Freeway in Rocky Top, as reported by WATE.
The incident, which occurred on July 5, also resulted in severe injuries to Oakley's siblings, 3-year-old Maximus and 2-year-old Hendrix, as well as their father, Chip Montague. Shelley Rothe, the children's aunt, recounted to WVLT how the desperate father managed to rescue Maximus and Hendrix but could not save Oakley.
According to Rothe in her interview with WATE, Maximus has sustained burns in his lungs and is "pretty much burnt from head to toe." At the same time, Hendrix, although also injured, is currently in a stable enough condition to engage in activities such as coloring. The boys' father is facing his battles, potentially losing fingers and contending with third-degree burns. Maximus and Hendrix underwent surgery on Monday, and their path to recovery, while hopeful, is marked with significant hurdles. Their still hospital-bound father is readmitted alongside them, his wounds a testament to the harrowing rescue attempt.
The extended family, while orbiting these moments of unspeakable loss and pain, has rallied around them. Kayla Hann, a cousin of the brothers, detailed to WBIR how deeply the incident has shaken the family, especially with the sudden loss of young Oakley. "Every moment matters," she expressed, underscoring the fragility of life and the long road to healing ahead for her family.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation continues to look into the cause of the car fire, as per WVLT. The Coal Creek General Store is accepting donations to assist in the family's time of need, while a GoFundMe campaign has also been established for those willing to offer financial support.
