'Part of us is missing:' Families find forgiveness, purpose 5 years after deadly crash

On Feb. 3, 2020, three families were forever changed when their children were struck by an impaired driver. Rachel Freeman, Yuridia Martinez, and Kolby Crum were less than a minute into their track and cross-country practice run when a driver hit them.

Rachel died at the scene. Yuridia died at the hospital. Kolby died 12 days later.

Investigators say the driver, Max Townsend, had alcohol below the legal limit and THC in his system at the time of the crash. He is now serving three consecutive life sentences in prison.

News 9 asked each family if the driver ever crosses their mind.

"I have removed him from my life and handed him to God," said Kolby’s mother, Tansey Hellbusch.

Yuridia’s mother, Erika, said she prays for Townsend. "I don’t have any ill will against him. I forgave him, but I do pray that one day he would ask for forgiveness from the Lord."

"I don’t want to grow old and be this bitter woman who talks negative talk about the man who killed her," said Jody Freeman, Rachel’s mom.

Today, Yuridia would have been 21 years old, Rachel 22, and Kolby 23.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Rachel’s family has established a memorial fund that has raised more than $50,000 for several local charities. They are also part of a group called Victims of Impaired Drivers, which supports other families affected by similar tragedies.

Rachel’s brother, who was only 14 when she died, is now a dispatcher for the same police department that responded to the crash.

Rachel and Kolby’s mothers team up once a week to speak to DUI offenders who are ordered to attend intervention programs.

"We show videos from the funerals of our kids," Jody said. "It’s not a guilt session. We make that very clear. It’s not a condemnation. It’s a reality of making better choices."

Tansey agrees. "It really makes us feel like we’re honoring our kids for that because if just one person gets that message, then we feel like we’ve honored them."

Kolby’s mother is also a strong advocate for LifeShare Oklahoma. Kolby’s organ donation saved the lives of two others.

Moore High School now awards a scholarship in honor of all three victims.

Memorial Park

A memorial on the Moore High School campus honors Kolby, Yuridia, and Rachel.

memorial on the Moore High School campus honors Kolby, Yuridia, and Rachel.

Personal touches make the site unique, including an inscription on Rachel’s plaque that reads "Finish it"—a phrase she had written on her hand during one of her meets, which her parents say sums up her determination in life.

If you look down, you'll also see imprints of Yuridia, Kolby, and Rachel's actual running shoes on the sidewalk where the crash happened. The footprints eventually fade, representing them going home to heaven.