TWO stricken teens may find a new home in Wagga as their aunt vows to keep a family promise.
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Shanon Heidemann, 17, has lived a nightmare following the death of his father, who was swept away in the Queensland floods, west of Gympie.
As Shanon helped emergency services search the floodwaters for 50-year-old David Heidemann, he was told his mother and brother had died in a fatal collision on the Princes Highway at Berry.
The collision on April 4, flattened the vehicle, killing his mother - Jane Towers – and 12-year-old Jayjay, while critically injuring his sister, Khloe Heidemann, 14.
Wagga resident Belinda Hartigan said she gave Jane Towers her word that if anything happened to her sister-in-law, she would take care of the children.
Ms Hartigan said her nephew, Shanon, was being looked after by his grandmother and Khloe remained in a critical condition but "was doing very well".
Ms Hartigan said she had offered for her niece and nephew to come and stay with her family in the Riverina.
She said Shanon was "holding up" and “doing the best he can” after receiving the tragic news.
It really does make us tear up.
- Sarah Towers
"Jane was my little ray of sunshine ... and a beautiful soul," Ms Hartigan said.
"She was very open and welcoming to everyone and was always there if you needed her.”
Sarah and Pheobe Towers – the Heidemann’s cousins – started a gofundme page – The Berry Crash Tragedy – to help with the funeral costs, as well as Shanon and Khloe’s slow and painful recovery.
The fundraiser reached more than $14,500 on Tuesday, well above the $10,000 goal.
In a message, Sarah Towers thanked the community for their overwhelmingly kind words of support and donations.
“A big thanks to everyone,” the message read.
“Thank you for helping… it really does make us tear up.”
