The four siblings were polite, smart and fun to be around. Each child unique in a group where girls outnumbered the lone boy.
“All four of the kids are the most respectful, the brightest, the most wonderful kids to be around,” Courtney Kendall, a family friend, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “They’re loved by so many.”
But on railroad crossing in Henry County, the family was changed in an instant, despite flashing red lights and the horn of a Norfolk Southern Railroad train. After a weekend visit with their father, the three oldest siblings were heading home when their minivan was hit.
The 15-year-old girl in the front seat and her 12-year-old brother, seated behind her, both died after the car driven by their father was struck by the train, Henry County police said Tuesday.
The Pinsky family was attempting to travel through the intersection of Valley Hill Road and East Atlanta Road in Stockbridge around 7:30 p.m. Sunday when the van was hit, according to Sgt. Danny Gibbs. Video showed the stop arms down and red lights flashing at the rail crossing, but the van attempted to go around the barrier.
“It was just a normal day and then it was just pure chaos,” Kendall said late Tuesday.
The train was northbound with 23 freight cars and one locomotive, and the train’s horn was blowing, a Norfolk Southern spokesman said.
Aaron Pinsky, 12, died at the scene of the wreck, Gibbs said. He was was seated in the right rear passenger seat.
His older sister, Katriona “Kate” Pinsky, was taken to Piedmont Henry Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased, police said. And 9-year-old Sarah, seated in the left rear passenger seat, was taken to Children Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, where she remained in critical condition late Tuesday with head trauma and multiple fractures. The extent of her injuries may not be known for several days due to swelling.
Investigators have not determined why the Pinskys’ biological father continued through the intersection. He suffered minor injuries in the crash, which remained under investigation Tuesday, Gibbs said. The case will be presented to a future grand jury to determine if any charges will be filed.
Since the wreck, Linda Lavender has remained by Sarah’s bedside, along with her husband, Jeff. Their youngest child, 7-year-old Rachel, was with them the night of the crash, but is struggling to deal with the sudden losses.
“Absolutely shocked,” Kendall said.
As Linda Lavender's best friend, Kendall said she and her husband did the one thing that made sense. They set up an online fundraising page to share the story and to help with funeral and medical costs. Healing thoughts are also needed.
“Prayers for Sarah, prayers for the family to be comforted,” Kendall said.
The children were kind beyond their years, Kendall said. During a recent conversation with her best friend, Kendall was on speaker phone so all four kids could chime in. She said Tuesday she remembers Kate’s words.
“Thank you for being my mom’s friend,” the teenager said.
Funeral arrangements had not been finalized late Tuesday.
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