Hailey Markus, 4, and Kaitlyn Markus, 6, killed when car crashes into Russian River off of Highway 1 near Jenner, California

Modified Date: 
Mon, 11/20/2017 - 8:59am
Accident Date: 
Tuesday, August 23, 2016

2 Children Die After Car Plunges Into Russian River

Initial California Highway Patrol reports said that there were four people in the vehicle — two adults and two children. The adults were reportedly able to escape the vehicle, but the children were trapped inside.

2 children die after pickup plunges into Russian River

The morning was thick with fog. The roads were wet and slippery, conditions that likely contributed to the crash, Sloat said.

The mother told investigators the pickup fishtailed after she took a left turn onto Highway 1 just south of town, CHP Sgt. Alan Capurro said.

CHP: MOTHER TRIED TO REACH 2 DAUGHTERS AS TRUCK SANK INTO RUSSIAN RIVER

"And before I could recognize whether it was even a car or truck it went gurgle gurgle and went down and a big bunch of bubbles came to the surface and then a woman came up shortly after screaming, 'My babies, my babies!'" he said.

CHP officials say the mother tried to reach her daughters, but the Ford truck sank rapidly in 10-15 feet of water.

She did not leave the scene for almost six hours. When the truck hit the water, witnesses jumped in to help, without success.

Efforts for Jenner traffic safety ramping up after drowning deaths

Some residents Tuesday said they’d be seeking a guardrail or some taller barrier for the stretch where Markus crashed. There currently is nothing between the coast highway and the embankment edge.

Jenner community raising money for family after deaths of 2 children

Jenner Community Club president Cal Ares said the group is earmarking a special fund for the family through Westamerica Bank. Donations can be made through the bank to the “Jenner Community Club” with a memo “The Markus family.”

Memorial services set for Kaitlyn and Hailey Markus, Jenner sisters killed in crash

A visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Parent-Sorensen Mortuary at 301 South Main St. in Sebastopol.

A burial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 17499 Bodega Highway in Bodega.

Guardrail planned for highway where Jenner sisters died in crash

Spurred by the Aug. 23, 2016 crash, Caltrans has approved installation of a 600-foot guardrail along the curve in the highway by year’s end, a barrier for thousands of vehicles that pass through the hillside village on a given day.   

Type: Car Accident
People Involved: 
Hailey Markus
Kaitlyn Markus
Roadway: 
Highway 1
City: 
Jenner, CA

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