DAKOTA CITY, Neb. (KTIV) -
In January, a 57-year-old Homer, Nebraska grandmother was killed along with her 3-year-old granddaughter after her car was rear-ended by another vehicle near Dakota City.
The crash sent Patricia Oldenburg's car into oncoming traffic where it was hit again. 3-year-old Regan Coenen later died at the hospital. Oldenburg's 8-year-old grandson was also in the car. He survived, but suffered serious injuries.
And Sunday, church members and volunteers in Dakota City, Nebraska put on a pancake benefit to help Braden Coenen and his family recover.
The event was held at the Dakota City Fire Hall. Though they didn't know the victims personally, organizers felt they needed to show their support to the family
"We wanted to help the family out, between South Sioux, Dakota City, and Homer Fire Departments, with the churches, we thought we'd come together as a community, and raise some funds for a good cause to help this family," Clint Rasmussen, Dakota City Fire Chief said.
The Coenens were also at the breakfast. They say it has been difficult, but they are grateful for the community support.
"There's a lot of people that have come here that we don't even know, a lot of strangers that have come to support us, it's just a nice feeling," Stacy Coenen, Braden's mother said.
The Coenens say their son Braden is still recovering, and has a lot more therapy to go through.
If you would like to help them with medical expenses, they've set up a fund at Siouxland Federal Credit Union under the name, Oldenberg Coenen Fund.
27-year-old Heather Reisdorph of Sioux City has pled not guilty to two charges of vehicular homicide.
Dakota City fireman collecting donations.
