Oak Grove, Ky. (CLARKSVILLENOW)- A 5-year-old Oak Grove girl tragically died after being hit by a truck in Oak Grove on Friday, May 29.
MarQuana DeWayne’ McClure, 5, a student at South Christian Elementary School, succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the wreck.
Kentucky State Police Post 2 in Madisonville was contacted by Oak Grove Police Department to investigate a fatal collision on May 29, 2020 around 4:55 p.m., according to a news release from KSP Trooper James Austin.
Preliminary investigation revealed two female juveniles, ages 5 and 11, were attempting to cross Pembroke Oak Grove Road, around the 700 block, when they stepped into the path of a 1992 Dodge Dakota pickup towing a trailer. The operator of the Dodge was Wanda Sydnor, 63, of Russellville, Ky.
MarQuana and her aunt Nadia Coats, 11, were both taken by ambulance to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH) in Fort Campbell. The 11-year-old was treated for injuries to her legs.
Sadly, MarQuana was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The investigation is ongoing by Accident Reconstructionist Trooper Hunter Carroll.
Community embraces family
Candy Jones, a neighbor in the Crystal Pines Mobile Home, often watched MarQuana ride her bike and play with the dog. She’d wave at the family who she was corner neighbors with. The tragedy has brought the community together as they rally in support of the family.
“We are all parents and all of our kids cross that street to go to the store all the time. It’s normal around here for adults and children to do that,” Jones said. “My 15 year-old son was on the way to the store and it could’ve been him. When my son called and said, ‘Mom, it’s been an accident,’ we ran to the scene.
Two active duty soldiers and a young woman were on the scene to help and tried to save MarQuana, Jones said. The woman was a prior Army medic, who doesn’t want to be recognized. She stayed with MarQuana and Nadia until help arrived. Jones said they call her their “Unnamed Angel.”
The site where MarQuana passed away has become a memorial with more pink balloons and stuff animals filling the site daily. Her mom visits the site to grieve, Jones said.
Jones said everyone is praying for all families involved, including the driver as well as the first responders, the EMTs, law enforcement and doctors and nurses.
“Losing a child in anyways is devastating,” Jones said, adding she’d been through the pain when she was a young mother. “It’s hard for everyone involved.”
Remembering MarQuana
MarQuana loved the color pink. Her favorite animal was unicorns and unicorn puppies. She never met a stranger and loved loud noises such as motorcycles and airplanes. She was friendly, spunky, and sweet.
A candlelight vigil was held on Saturday, May 30 at 7 p.m. in honor of MarQuana in the field near her neighborhood. The owner of the 115 Quick Stop closed his store to allow parking for the vigil.
Luigi’s Pizza donated pizzas and a gift card for the family. Neighbors brought soda and water.
More than 100 people attended.
“The whole community rallied around this mother to say we love you and support,” Jones said. “We are trying to help the mom grieve healthier. There’s been so much outpouring. She’s grieved and cried but she’s in a positive state of mind. MarQuana is who brought us together and we are now a tighter community thanks to that little girl. This is her community. We are here to show love and support this family.”
A Go Fund me account set up for MarQuana’s funeral expenses has raised a$3,700 in three days.
Aside from that many have given donations of money, food, gift cards personally to Jones to give to the family.
The family is making funeral arrangements for MarQuana this week.
For Nadia
Nadia was taken to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH) with a leg injury and has since been discharged.
Jones said the 11-year-old girl is smart, bright but is dealing with a lot at this time.
“Nadia was there and witnessed her little niece being taken away and later hearing of her passing,” she said. “She is only 11, and to endure such pain at such a young age is hard. I personally am trying to do something special just for Nadia.”
A silent auction is being organized to raise money for Nadia’s personal and medical expenses.
The silent auction will be held on Saturday, June 13th at 4:30 p.m. in the field on Pembroke Oak Grove Road near the 115 Quick Stop.
The theme is red and black, Nadia’s favorite color, and several items are needed to make the silent auction successful.
Anyone wanting to donate items for the silent auction including homemade crafts, gift cards or certificates, free services, or anything else can arrange drop off or pick up Jones. Items will be collected until Wednesday, June 10th.
Jones is also looking for donations of appetizers, plastic cutlery and table cloths, drinks and waters for those who attend the auction.
The best way to reach Candy Jones is through her Facebook page or texting her at 936-439-3343.
She is also looking for a musician, small band or DJ to donate their time to provide music during the event.
The money will be donated directly to Nadia and her family.
“When you have a two families hurting, you have to remember that Nadia survived this tragedy. We don’t want to forget Nadia,” Jones said. “Nadia needs prayers. We don’t want to forget about her.”