Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to a parent. For Samantha Jensen, this nightmare became a reality when her three-year-old daughter, Scarlett, died in a tragic accident. But amidst the immense sadness, Samantha found something that helped her make the pain a little more bearable: a photo taken shortly before the fatal moment, of Scarlett laughing and carelessly enjoying a simple moment with her grandmother and brother. The image, caught on a lost phone, became a priceless memory of her daughter for Samantha.
A dramatic day in Idaho
What should have been an ordinary day turned into a nightmare on October 7, 2022. While Scarlett's parents were at a wedding, her grandmother looked after her and her two-year-old brother Henry at their home in Oldtown, Idaho. The afternoon went off without a hitch, until a large pickup truck suddenly pulled into the house's driveway. The driver, who was speeding far too fast, was no longer able to brake in time and mowed them over. Scarlett died on the spot, while her brother and grandmother were seriously injured.
An attempt to protect
According to eyewitnesses, the grandmother was still desperately trying to protect her grandchildren. “My mother waved her hands and shouted for him to stop. She tried to pull my kids away but he was driving too fast,” Samantha recalls. Despite her valiant effort, she couldn't prevent it. The impact was devastating: Scarlett died instantly, while Henry and his grandmother were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Henry's recovery: a long way
Henry was taken by helicopter to a children's hospital, where doctors found that he had a broken spine, six broken ribs and a broken jaw and collarbone, among other things. “He was in intensive care for a week before he was stable enough to come home. Then he had to wear a brace for ten weeks,” says Samantha. The recovery was tough both physically and emotionally for the little boy and his family.
Flight and driver conviction
The driver of the pickup truck chose to keep driving after the accident but was eventually stopped miles away. He was sentenced to ten years in prison. Although the family received some form of justice, nothing could make up for Scarlett's loss. “It's a small consolation. Nothing brings her back,” Samantha says.
An unexpected discovery
Weeks after the tragic accident, Samantha recovered her mother's phone, which was lost during the incident. While browsing through the photos, she discovered a photo of Scarlett, taken just five minutes before the accident occurred. The photo shows Scarlett picking flowers carefree next to her brother and grandmother, completely ignorant of what was to come.
“When I saw the photo, I realized it was the last moment before everything changed,” says Samantha. “It shows her how I want to remember her: happy, carefree and surrounded by love.”
A bit of joy in the midst of sorrow
The photo, taken after Scarlett's grandma took her grandchildren out for ice cream, became a fond memory. “It was the last photo I have of her,” Samantha says. “She wanted to get out of the pram to pick flowers. That was typical Scarlett — always curious, always full of life.” While the photo is heartbreaking, it also brought comfort to Samantha: “It captures the peace and joy of her last moments.”
Dealing with unimaginable loss
Coming to terms with the loss of Scarlett is an uphill battle for Samantha and her family. “Some days it feels like I'm drowning, and other days, I can tread water,” she shares. Therapy helps the family get through this difficult time, as does their faith. “My faith in the Lord has saved my life and has helped me tremendously in my healing process,” says Samantha.
A lasting memory
Despite the unbearable loss, Samantha takes comfort in the thought that Scarlett was surrounded by love in her final moments. “I'm so incredibly grateful to have that photo,” she says. “It helps me remember her as she was: happy, innocent and loved.”
Rest in peace, Scarlett. You will never be forgotten.