Stephanie Wingard died tonight (Sunday, 7/26) after a motorcycle accident. We spent this weekend (July 24-26) with her at Beachy youth fellowship meetings. Here are a few pictures my cousin Hannah took with my camera this weekend:
May God rest your soul, Steph.
Remember, life is uncertain and we need God.
Full-res pics are here and here.
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Updated (6:22 PM, 7/27/2009) to add:
A cross made by Dave Miller and put beside the road.
Stephanie Ann Wingard – 1992-2009
Stephanie Wingard was the 16 year-old daughter of Olen and Emily Wingard from Zion Amish-Mennonite Church in Thomas, OK.
The Thomas church is a small church, so their youth group came up to visit Hutchinson, KS on occasion. Stephanie and her good friend and second cousin Bonnie Wingard (whom our family grew up with in Catlett, VA) often stayed at our house when they came.
Steph was at the Beachy youth fellowship meetings in Lott, TX. We had a wonderful weekend about evangelism.
She wanted a motorcycle ride, so Dave Miller consented to give her a ride on his brother’s motorcycle. Dave picked her up from where she was hanging out with some folks from the Arlington, KS (one of our sister churches that’s about 11 miles away) youth group and others. Dave only had one helmet with him, so he offered his helmet to her, but she declined. Dave was driving about 70 MPH. (I’m not sure what the exact speed limit was on FM 3369, but according to Wikipedia the default speed limit for FM (farm-to-market) roads in Texas is 70 MPH. Unless a study is done showing that 70 MPH is unsafe, it is automatically set at 70 MPH.) They were going around a long curve and Dave was crowding the center line. They met a truck, so he went further back into his own lane. In the process, he drove off the right side of the road into the grass. He slowed down dramatically before hitting a culvert and crashing. It’s unclear at what point Stephanie flew off, but it seems she flew off before he crashed. As they bounced over a culvert (pictured), she they both flew off the bike. He kept going, slowed down considerably, and then crashed. She sustained major head injuries as she was not wearing a helmet. Medical personnel say that she would have not been seriously hurt if she had been wearing a helmet.
Elements of the Arlington youth group heard about the accident almost immediately and drove to the scene, arriving before the ambulances and helicopters. She was transported by helicopter to Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, TX, the hospital of Texas A & M’s medical college. It is ranked in the top 15 University hospitals in the nation.
Text messages crisscrossed the nation, spawning lots of prayer meetings. That was great. Unfortunately, in the process, some wrong rumors got started—including one that said she had died before she, in fact, did. I’d like to take this opportunity to plead with people in these situations to make sure the information is accurate and non-exaggerated before passing it on. In this case, the wrong info started pretty far up the line and came from a source fairly close to the situation, so it was justifiably deemed reliable. It was, nonetheless, unfortunate. Receiving the news that she had died, then hearing she hadn’t, then hearing she had, is the kind of emotional roller coaster that is simply an unnecessary additional burden.
The hospital was having trouble getting oxygen to Stephanie’s brain because of bleeding on her brain. She was kept alive via life support until her parents arrived via small plane. Her parents made the decision to take her off of life support and she died 20-60 minutes later. Time of death was about 9:25 PM. From the time of accident shortly after the accident to death, she never regained consciousness. A brother from the Lott church relayed a message of love to her from her parents as she was still at the scene of the accident and she responded with motions and her eyes. She lost consciousness shortly thereafter and never came out of a coma.
She was survived by her parents, Olen and Emily Wingard, and her three younger brothers, Sawyer, Tyler, and Dallas.
Visitation will be Wednesday, 30 29 July from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Pleasant View Mennonite Church in Hydro, OK, about 45 15 minutes from Thomas. The funeral is Thursday at 10 AM at Pleasant View Mennonite Church.
Please pray for Stephanie’s family and church. Please also pray for Dave Miller. It’s, obviously, been very hard on him.
-Hans
The sources for this information are primarily four people/sets of people. 1. Someone from the Thomas youth group with whom I roomed at the youth fellowship meetings this last weekend. 2. Several people from the Arlington youth group that were with her just before she took the ride, were at the scene, at the hospital, and got some of the details by talking with Dave. 3. Hearing one of the leaders from the Lott church (Elmer Slabaugh) describe via phone how he relayed a message from Steph’s parents to her at the roadside. 4. A Facebook message from Dave describing the crash.
—————
The verse Steph had on her Facebook profile is appropriate for us all right now:
Don’t worry about anything;
instead, pray about everything;
tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.
Philippians 4:6
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Here’s a song written in memory of Steph by my sister Heidi:
It breaks our hearts,
to see you go,
but we have peace,
because we know,
you’re in so much,
of a better place,
and you’ve seen Jesus,
face to face,
and though we miss you,
every day,
we wouldn’t want,
to take you away…
Chorus:
As you hold your violin,
and touch the brand new strings,
a smile lights up your gorgeous face,
a sparkle on your wings,
the purest, sweetest melody,
drifts through heavens air,
and you begin to slowly dance,
with sunlight in your hair,
and all of heaven stops to listen,
as you begin to play,
heaven just got a brand new angel,
today.And it’s so hard,
it hurts so bad,
as we recall,
the times we’ve had,
but through our pain,
and through out tears,
we can look back,
through the years,
your shining eyes,
your glowing face,
you left the world,
a better place…Bridge:
Steph, I love you,
I miss you too,
but I still smile,
when I think of you…
She’s still working on the music.
—————
Here are some pics from various people:
Picture taken by Eugene at fellowships this weekend
Photo taken (4/22/09) and posted by Steph’s mom Emily
Picture of Dave the day after the accident at the scene, posted on Dave’s Facebook
Picture of friends and family the day after the accident at the scene, posted on Dave’s Facebook
Here are some portraits taken by Clara Kuhns 4 weeks ago:
See follow-up post, Forgiveness. Another related post is my post from 2007 about the forgiveness in the Nickel Mines Amish School Shooting.
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Updated 7:49 PM, 7/27/09 to correct Steph’s year of birth from 1991 to 1992 and the date of visitation from 30 July to 29 July.
Updated 9:45 PM, 7/27/09 to correct/add details about when Stephanie flew off the bike and when she lost consciousness.
Updated 10:52 PM, 7/27/09 to correct details about when Dave flew off the bike. Dave messaged me on Facebook, making the correction.
Updated 12:19 PM, 7/28/09 to correct time of visitation to being 5:00 to 8:30 PM instead of the incorrect 5:30 to 8:00 PM. Also added time of funeral as 10 AM. Also noted that visitation is at Pleasant View and added a link to the Google Maps listing of Pleasant View (though Google Maps doesn’t seem to be quite sure where it is exactly, so proceed with caution). I also found several news stories that were on average fairly inaccurate, though it appears that that might be the fault of the Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman rather than the journalists. Added at 4:07 PM: Yeah, it was totally DPS getting stuff wrong, which was printed verbatim by the media. KWTX has scrambled to correct the article. KXXV has been asking me questions, but hasn’t updated anything yet. WacoTrib has been silent.
Updated 12:34 PM, 7/28/09 to add pictures of family at the scene the day after the accident.
Updated 1:23 PM, 7/28/09 to add the fact that Dave offered his helmet to Steph before they started, but she declined. Also added some comments about the speed limit.
Updated 3:02 PM, 7/28/09 to amend speculation about the speed limit, replacing it with a link to Wikipedia which states 70 MPH as the default speed limit for that road type in Texas, unless changed because of a study showing 70 MPH is too fast.
Updated 9:57 AM, 7/29/09 to add memorial song.
Updated 8:41 PM, 8/1/09 to add link to Forgiveness post.
Updated 09/15/09 to add link to Nickel Mines Amish School Shootings post.
24 Responses
July 27th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
So sorry to hear of this tragedy. Praying for her family to be comforted during this time.
July 27th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I am so sorry. I am lifting her family and friends in prayer.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss of such a Godly young lady. I will be praying for her family and friends.
July 28th, 2009 at 12:49 am
Never personally knew Stephanie but I remember seeing her in Florida. She was absolutely beautiful!! I feel for the family and close friends … I honestly can say that I know what they’re dealing with.
July 28th, 2009 at 1:08 am
My heart goes out to her family. I worked with her grandfather, Jake Helmuth and became good friends with him. We were also at her relative’s funeral when the whole family of Jason Knepp died in a car accident. May God give the families strength and comfort in this time of grief.
July 28th, 2009 at 5:05 am
My heart goes out to Olen & Emily. I knew Olen from way back, not sure if I’ve seen him since his wedding. Just want to express my sorry at their loss, and lift them up to God for His sustaing grace – our prayers are with them.
July 28th, 2009 at 7:10 am
I am so sorry for this familys loss, she was a beautiful young woman!! My family too has suffered a loss of a beautiful young man, only 17 years old, our son had a car accident that he died as a result of the traumatic injuries he sustained, Oct 24 2002. In our case the rumors flew as well!! that he had died before he had succumbed to his injuries. I know that the mom and dad Are at a great loss right now, and have no Idea which way is up!!! GOD will be with you at this time of your loss.!!! HIs arms are around you all now as you grieve your hearts loss!
July 28th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Thanks Hans for the report and the pictures. I do not personally know the family but heard about through some friends of theirs. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. We will be praying.
July 28th, 2009 at 9:43 am
My heart bleeds for the great amount of pain you are feeling at this time.
My God hold you close and give you peace. Praying for you and your family.
July 28th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
My heart breaks for the family & friends of Stephanie. What a stunningly beautiful young lady! I did not know Stephanie, but I know Olen from many years ago. Our paths have not crossed in the past 20 years but I remember fondly the life & laughter that Olen gave to those that were young adults in the early 90’s. Much has changed since then. Today my heart aches for the Wingard family. You are in our prayers.
July 28th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Thanks Hans, for this detailed account. Since I am related both to Olen and Emily, I find this very informative. Stephanie was only week older than our daughter, Monica. Being in Kenya now, we much appreciate advanced technology in keeping us in tune with family and friends. We’re praying God will give grace to Olens and Steph’s younger brothers; also to Jake and Laura Jean with the recent loss of Jason and Eileen. Someday we’ll understand….
July 29th, 2009 at 2:45 am
Oh I’m so,so sorry, Stephanie was a beautiful young girl, the good lord called her home way to soon in life. May her family and Dave both find strength and comfort in the grace of the lord. This is such a terrible tragedy as so many lives have been forever changed, not only will we be praying for the Wingard family, we will also be praying for Dave, as I’m sure this has hit him very hard also.
I understand what they (everyone) are going through, as I lost young family member less than a month ago, when a friend of his, that he was showing how to use a gun accidently shot him.
Hans,
Thank you for posting this site on KWTX.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
We have a special place in our hearts for people like the Wingards. We grieve with them. We know how much it hurts to give up a child. We have been on our own journey of grief since June 11, 2007, with the loss of our 16 yr. old son Trevor. He died of head injuries sustained in a car crash the previous evening. Young people, God is speaking. This could have been you. Sometime it will be you. Please, the greatest thing you will ever do for your parents is to have a clear testimony of Jesus Christ in your life. Make sure you die right the first time you die because you will never get to do it over. II Pe 1:2 May God’s grace and peace be multiplied during this difficult time.
July 29th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I have been praying for everyone involved, and will keep on doing so.
July 30th, 2009 at 1:20 am
I am so sorry for the lost of this young girl. She had alot of life to live yet and gone so young but we all shall be in comfort that she is now in Heaven watching down on us. She is probably like alot of us “Don’t cry for me, I am alright. She is gone but I know will never be forgotten. My prayers and thoughts are going out to all those involved and the families affected by this lost. I live in Corn but know many that attend the Pleasant View Church.
Denene Neufeld-Harper
July 30th, 2009 at 9:33 am
I do not take credit for writing this, I only typed the phrases as they came to me.
Mom & Dad
Don’t weep for me because I’m gone
I’m dancing and singing heaven’s sweetest songs
I was taken up in robes so white
The angels were just my greatest delight
My family and friends were at the gates so fair
Grandparents and loved ones all met me there
Don’t weep for me because I’m gone
You will be here soon, it won’t be long
The joys I knew on earth so fair
Are never to be compared to the life up here
The truths I was taught in my early earth life
Forever I’ll cherish and hold close to my heart
Because of you I now dance on streets of gold
My heart is full and I will never grow old
Mistakes made on earth are blessings when given to God
They turn into priceless treasures like pearls from abroad
Don’t search endlessly trying to understand
Just know that my Jesus is here holding my hand
My time on earth is done you see, the rewards just keep overflowing me
I stand in awe and am amazed
I love you dearly
I love you truly
Don’t weep for me because I’m gone
Just know I’m in Heaven where I belong
July 30th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I just stumbled across this sad story and then I discover I know the parents, grandparents. I’m so overcome with tears knowing the loss is so great. My heart goes out to you, my God keep you in his care. Love and Prayers.
July 30th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Thanks, Hans for posting. To the family, friends, and Dave, may God pour out incredible measures of comfort and grace as you walk through this time. Praying for you.
August 1st, 2009 at 8:43 pm
[...] Comments HansMast.com » In Memory of Stephanie Wingard [update 9] on ForgivenessLinda L on In Memory of Stephanie Wingard [update 9]Maryetta (Yoder)Raber on In [...]
August 1st, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Our hearts go out to Stephanie’s family. Such a tragic loss. We lost our son T.J. in a softball accident, colliding with another player as he dove to catch a fly ball just a month ago. He died two days later from severe head trauma. We know how it feels to be lifted up in prayer and to be helped through such a difficult time. The best thing we can do for this family is to pray and to let them know we care. A friend of mine sent me a text about this accident, knowing we would understand and someone else sent me this website about Stephanie. Thanks to whoever set all this up. It is so healing for a family, who loses a loved one, to read words of encouragment from friends and people they don’t even know. We hurt with you and pray God’s comfort upon you.
August 12th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
…… sympathy for a family and community unknown to us:-
Divine Sympathy
Jesus ! my sorrow lies too deep
For human ministry :
It knows not how to tell itself
To any but to Thee.
Thou dost remember still amid
The glories of Thy throne,
The sorrows of humanity,
For they were once Thine Own.
Yes ; for as if Thou wouldst be God,
E’en in Thy misery,
There’s been no sorrow but Thine Own,
Untouched by sympathy.
Jesus ! my fainting spirit brings
Its fearfulness to Thee ;
Thine eye at least can penetrate
The clouded mystery.
And is it not enough – enough,
This holy sympathy ?
There’s is no sorrow e’er so deep,
But I may bring to Thee.
Lady Theodosia Anne Powerscourt 1800 – 1836
Dublin (Ireland)
August 27th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I never new Stephanie Wingard but my friend did an im soo sry to hear bout her familys loss!!!she was so beautiful!!!praying
September 26th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Steph, I MISS YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! When i think of you, i think of you being a gorgeous angel playing your violin!! Olen’s, ya’ll are in my thoughts and prayers!!
September 23rd, 2010 at 10:00 pm
She was a beautiful young lady. I know that she will be deeply missed.
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