By james art BOZEMAN — A month after a crash in Bozeman claimed the life of a teenager and left three injured, the community is coming together to offer support to the families affected.
The accident happened in the early morning hours of September 15. According to Montana Highway Patrol, the 17-year-old driver, whose identity has not been released, lost control of the car.
The car struck a guard rail, continued over the creek and up an embankment, where it came to rest on the passenger side, killing 18-year-old Madison Montgomery-Lukenbill. Alcohol is believed to be involved.
WATCH PREVIOUS REPORT: Madison Montgomery-Lukenbill’s friends honor her memory
Friends of Madison Montgomery-Luckenbill are honoring her memory after the fatal crash
Bonnie Buckingham is a close family friend of one of the victims involved in the crash.
“We’re hoping to bring the community together to raise funds for the four families and also provide some emotional support for these kids who have gone through a traumatic event, and obviously Madison’s family,” says Buckingham.
Disaster hit close to home for Buckingham.
“I had a child killed in a drunk driver crash, so it takes time,” she says.
Buckingham recalls feeling a lack of community support when her son tragically died.
“We don’t want Madison’s life to just become a statistic that doesn’t mean anything anymore and just fades into the background,” says Buckingham.
Buckingham is helping to organize the Love and Support fundraiser, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, from noon to 4 p.m. The fundraiser will be held at the Belgrade Center for Special Events.
Kelly Canyon Fundraiser
They are planning a corn hole tournament, children’s games, bake sale, silent auction and much more. The DUI Task Force will also be at the event.
“In speaking with all local and state law enforcement officers, we learned that from January 1st through October 3rd alone, they made 846 impaired driving arrests. They all told me it’s just a fraction of what’s out there,” says Buckingham.
Buckingham is looking for more volunteers for the event. If you would like to help, email [email protected].