Mother of woman killed by van speaks out

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

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A memorial for Heather Whalley has been set up on Blind Pass Road.

TREASURE ISLAND (Bay News 9) -- The mother of a woman killed earlier this month in St. Pete Beach when a van drove into her as she walked with her husband is speaking out about her loss.

Laura Kell said her daughter, Heather Whalley, and Whalley's family were visiting her from North Carolina. Whalley and her husband were taking an early morning walk along Blind Pass Road in St. Pete Beach when they were hit by a van.

Both victims were taken to Bayfront Medical Center, where they were both put on life support for their injuries. Two days later, Whalley died.

A memorial of flowers and a photograph marks the spot where the vacationing couple was hit.

"It helps me heal," Kell said. "I spend a few minutes here each day and reflect."

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The memorial is meaningful to her because it is all she has left of her daughter, she said.

"It's the only thing we have to acknowledge her because she was cremated at her request and we don't have a grave site to go to," Kell said.

Whalley was an organ donor, and she has helped 80 people since she died, Kell said.

Kell said that what makes this situation even more tragic is that her daughter leaves behind three young children.

Heather's husband, who was also critically injured in the accident, was able to walk out of the hospital a week later. He and his children are currently in Massachusetts with family members.

Meanwhile, Kell is dealing with the loss of her daughter.

"Anger is not beneficial to myself or family," she said. "It's not going to bring her back. The Lord will deal with this situation when there's time."

Investigators are still unsure as to what caused the driver of the van to swerve into the couple. They are awaiting toxicology reports from Aaron Rimar, the driver of the van. No charges have been filed in this accident.

Anyone who would like to help this family can send donations to:
840 Rock Street
Fall River, MA 02740