Three children tragically lost the life of their mother Thursday, July 18 on Hwy 115 at Ed Lewis Road. Isaac, 14, Karter 9, and Harmony, 4, were in the Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by their mom, Bailey Gabler, 34, when it hydroplaned during the rainstorm. The Jeep struck the passenger side of a Porsche Macan which then struck a Dodge Ram truck. The three children suffered injuries but survived the crash.
Susan Kenawi is the aunt of Bailey Gabler who updated information about the children online. Karter injured both legs which required surgery. She will have another surgery in a few weeks. Isaac and Harmony have been released from the hospital.
In a Social Media post, Bailey’s mother, Tammy Leal posted, “Last night I lost my precious beautiful daughter to a tragic car accident. I will forever be broken, I love you so much baby girl and I will take good care of your babies. Please give us time to take this all in but please pray for us and pray hard!!”
Kenawi, created a GoFundMe page and wrote, “Bailey’s mother has stepped in to care for them (the children) but faces significant challenges ahead. With Karter needing surgery on both badly broken legs, Bailey’s mother will need to take time off work to provide the care and support her grandchildren need during this difficult time.”
According to Kenawi the family needs to find a larger place to live to accommodate their new circumstances and afford therapy sessions for the children as they heal emotionally and physically.
“Your support will help ease the financial burden on this grieving family, ensuring that Isaac, Karter, and Harmony receive the care and stability they need in the wake of this tragic loss,” Kenawi added.
As of today, July 25, the GoFundMe titled “Help Bailey’s children after her tragic accident” has raised $26,734.00.
Ken Egerton who is the brother of Tammy Leal and uncle to Bailey talked about the closeness of the family. “When Karter learned of her mom’s death after her surgery, she asked if her little sister knew yet. She said she wanted to be the one to tell Harmony about their mom,” Egerton said.
“The outpouring of the community has been overwhelming. Harmon’s daycare is providing all the school supplies for the children,” Egerton added. He said the needs are great to find a place they can all live, gas expenses as they drive back and forth to the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, and back to school-clothes.
“Tammy is doing an amazing job. She hasn’t had the opportunity to grieve losing her daughter for all that she is doing to take care of the children,” Egerton explained. “Bailey’s sister Breanna is helping with the care and taking turns being at the hospital with Karter.”
Kenawi wrote in an update, “Bailey’s mom and sister are staying by Karter’s side in the hospital and family is rallying to help where we can. It will be a long road ahead of physical and mental recovery but right now, we are all grateful for the life we have and want to live it honoring Bailey the best way we know how: loving on her kids.”
