Mattawan, Michigan — A Michigan family is facing an unimaginable loss after a weekend car crash killed a 15-year-old girl and left her 16-year-old sister in critical condition. The sisters were among five students from Mattawan High School who were inside a vehicle that left the roadway and struck a tree early Sunday morning.
Jordyn Bigham, 15, died at the scene, along with the 16-year-old driver, whose identity had not been publicly released in the initial reports. Her older sister, Jada Bigham, survived but suffered severe injuries and remains in critical condition, according to a fundraising page created to support the family.
The crash happened around 3:20 a.m. local time on Sunday, October 18, according to information provided by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office to local media.
What Happened in the Michigan Crash?
Jordyn and Jada were passengers in a vehicle carrying three other students when it left the roadway and hit a tree in Michigan on Sunday morning.
According to local reports citing law enforcement, Jordyn and the driver were ejected from the vehicle during the crash. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The three other passengers survived and were taken to the hospital for treatment. They included Jada and two additional students, ages 15 and 17.
The two surviving students other than Jada were reported to be in critical but stable condition, according to the information provided in the initial reports.
Authorities have not yet established publicly what caused the vehicle to leave the road. The crash remains under investigation by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.
Older Sister Jada Remains in Critical Condition
While the family mourns Jordyn’s death, relatives are also anxiously awaiting updates on Jada’s condition.
A GoFundMe campaign established to help the sisters’ family said Jada suffered severe injuries and was fighting for her life in the hospital.
“She faces a long, difficult road to recovery ahead, requiring extensive medical treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care,” loved ones wrote in the fundraising appeal.
The statement highlights the difficult situation confronting the family, which is dealing with the loss of one daughter while hoping for the recovery of another.
Jada’s condition could require significant medical care and ongoing support as she begins what relatives describe as a challenging recovery process.
Further details about her injuries and treatment have not been provided in the information available from the initial reports.
‘They Were Inseparable,’ Grandma Says
For relatives, the tragedy is especially painful because Jordyn and Jada shared such a close bond.
Their grandmother, Christina Norris, described the sisters as inseparable when speaking about their relationship.
“Where there was one, there was both. They didn’t go anywhere without each other, hardly ever,” Norris said.
Her words reflect the closeness the sisters shared and the devastating loss their family is now experiencing.
The accident has also affected the wider Mattawan High School community, with students, teachers and staff among those receiving condolences following the deaths and injuries.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office expressed sympathy for the families and friends of the students who died.
“The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the students who lost their lives,” the office said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are also with the injured students, their loved ones, and the students, teachers, and staff of Mattawan High Schools during this difficult time.”
Fundraiser Supports Funeral Costs and Medical Care
As of Tuesday, October 20, loved ones had raised nearly $70,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to support the family.
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The fundraiser explains that the girls’ mother is facing funeral and memorial expenses for Jordyn while trying to remain by Jada’s side during her medical treatment.
“Their mother is now carrying a heavy burden that no parent should ever have to face: mourning the loss of one daughter while standing by the hospital bed of another,” the fundraising message stated.
The appeal also describes the financial pressure created by the family’s circumstances.
“Without medical insurance, the family is overwhelmed by the immediate cost of funeral and memorial expenses for Jordyn, as well as the rapidly accumulating medical bills for Jada’s life-saving care,” the message continued. “Because Jada requires round-the-clock support, their mom is unable to work during this critical time.”
The funds are intended to help the family manage immediate expenses and support Jada’s ongoing care.
Investigation Into the Crash Continues
Authorities have not publicly confirmed what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and strike the tree. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
For now, the family is coping with the loss of Jordyn while hoping Jada will survive her injuries and begin recovering.
The tragedy has left loved ones, classmates and the surrounding community grieving two young lives profoundly affected by the crash.
What would you like to say to the Bigham family as they face this heartbreaking time? Share your thoughts and messages of support in the comments below.
