9 Members of Small Community Killed in Crash
Perhaps you have heard of the horrific crash that killed 11 people last week on I 65 in Kentucky. Nine of the people killed were from the Esh family. They lived in a small community called Marrowbone, just down the road a few miles from where I live. I have driven past their house many times and even stopped to talk them about the vinyl storage buildings they sold. Their deaths have left a huge hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.
The accident happened Friday when the tractor-trailer Ken Laymon (he was also killed) was driving crossed the divider and slammed into a 15-passenger van. John and Sadie Esh died in the crash, along with their three daughters, Rose, Anna and Rachel, and son, Leroy. Leroy Esh’s wife, Naomi, and 2-month-old son Jalen were also killed in the crash, but sons Johnny and Josiah survived (they were strapped in car seats). Rachel Esh’s fiance, Joel Gingrich, and family friend Ashley Kramer were also killed.
The victims of the crash all belonged to the Mennonite community in Marrowbone and all were active members of the Marrowbone Christian Brotherhood Church. Hundreds of members of the Mennonite community are expected to arrive from across the country for the service.
The Esh family were not strangers to tragedy. They had already lost a son (he was killed while on a mission trip in a snowmobile accident) and their house had burned. They rebuilt the house and were on their way to a wedding when they were killed.
The Esh family were gifted singers and one of their friends recorded them singing a song they had written. It is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard and in light of their untimely deaths, it is a testament to their faith. I don’t think anyone who listens to it will go unmoved.
Recording of Esh Family singing
Please keep the family and friends of all those killed in this horrible crash in your prayers.
I will see what I can do! Thanks for visiting NanaHood. Come back soon!
Hi, I understand that the Esh family has a website and I would love to have the link. We have friends in Kentucky who knew members of the family, and we’ve heard their singing by calling the a cappella Gospel Halls, but I’d really like to see their pictures. Thanks if you can help!
Thanks for your kind words! The local community has been incredibly kind and helpful. The family and friends thank you, it was appreciated!
Wow. That was truely beautiful! What a tragedy, but a comfort to know where thier hearts were. My prayers are with their families.
I just read about this tragedy. How sad! Thanks for sharing the recording. It must be an immense comfort to those left behind, to hear them singing those particular sentiments.