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Heartbreaking

Father Can Only Save One of His Daughters From Tragic Car Fire (VIDEO)

by Lindsay Mannering on September 20, 2012 at 5:47 PM

teen daughtersThis is easily one of the most heartbreaking stories I've ever heard, but I feel compelled to share. A South Carolina man was sitting at home when his neighbor knocked on the door explaining that there was a car accident nearby, and the vehicle was on fire. Earnest Andrews "just took off running" when he heard the news, and saw, just a few yards from his house, that the car was his, and inside were his two daughters who were on their way home from performing in their high school marching band's halftime show.

When he got closer to the engulfed car, he heard one of his daughters yelling, "Daddy! Daddy!" and did what any father would -- he tried to get them out.

Earnest was able to save his 14-year-old daughter Shayla, then when he went back for 17-year-old Joye, the car exploded. Joye was killed.

More from The Stir: Dad Jumps From Moving Car to Save His 4-Year-Old Daughter (VIDEO)

The pain and suffering this family is going through right now is unimaginable. I can't even begin to put myself in their shoes -- to lose a daughter and a sister like that, simply awful.

However, had Earnest not reacted as fast as he did, had he not sprinted out of the house to help, he could have lost both daughters. I'm sure it's impossibly difficult to feel grateful at this moment, but Shayla's alive because of him, and that's certainly something to give thanks for.

There is, unfortunately, more bad news. This isn't the first time the Andrews family has had to bury a child -- just last year, a third sister was killed in a car accident in Florida.

The enormity of this tragedy seems unbearable ... until you think of Shayla. She's a little ray of hope, and when you watch this video, you'll fall in love with her as much as your heart will break for her, and with her.

So sad. But it's a story like this that really puts things into perspective.

So, what are you grateful for today?

 

Photo via News19WLTX/YouTube

Filed Under: accidents, in the news, driving

Comments

30
  • daugh...
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    daughterneptune

    September 20, 2012 at 5:56 PM

    Being an older sister, I know that their older daughter is glad that he saved her little sister. I would want my father to save my little sister if I were in this situation. The father is a true hero. Bless this family.


  • e.nic...
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    e.nicole.w

    September 20, 2012 at 6:09 PM

    I'm so glad that that man got at least one daughter out of that car. I can't imagine the pain that they are going through losing another of their children but I'm sure it would be unbearable if they had lost both of the girls in this situation. I'll keep them all in my prayers.


  • tiny_...
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    tiny_mama

    September 20, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    I agree with daughterneptune.. The situation is horrible and tragic nomatter how you look at it.. However, as the "big sister" I'd want my younger sibling to be saved... I would probably die trying to save them myself.

    That poor family.


  • abra819
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    abra819

    September 20, 2012 at 7:18 PM

    Just tragic all the way around.


  • Trina...
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    Trina.mhmm

    September 20, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    This article I swear, is probably the saddest article I have ever read. That poor family. Im trying so hard to not bawl my eyes out here at work. I will pray for them and hope that they can grieve in peace and get as much help as possible. That poor father... God bless


  • momav...
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    momavanessa

    September 20, 2012 at 8:01 PM

    God bless that family! That is very sad and I know that dad tried his best. Like the others I have to agree since I am the oldest out of my family. I would want my sisters to be saved.


  • Vegeta
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    Vegeta

    September 20, 2012 at 8:02 PM
    That is so terrible. Why did the neighbor go tell people about the fire instead of helping the girls? Those seconds spent explaining may have made a difference. :(
  • Susie19
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    Susie19

    September 20, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    toddler tantrum


  • Rebs
    -- Nonmember comment from

    Rebs

    September 20, 2012 at 9:12 PM
    I agree with daughterneptune, as I am an older sister, and I would rather my father get my little brother out first. Still, it can't be easy on the family. God bless them.
  • Loria...
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    LorianneCG

    September 20, 2012 at 10:20 PM

    I'm grateful for ALL I have! Every day.bowing down


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