A terrible find in Wolcottville, Indiana, has shocked the whole town. Rebecca Hughes, 32, and her three children, Evalynn, 8, Allison, 6, and Amelia, 5, were found dead in their home.
As the police look into what happened, the girls’ father, Jonathan Newell, talks about his sadness and guilt. Jonathan remembers how he was desperately looking for answers and how strange it felt when he found out they had died.
Jonathan admitted, “I feel bad for being sad.” “It’s a ‘me emotion.'” Being haunted by “what-ifs,” he struggles with the loss of his children.
The community has come together to support Jonathan, and a GoFundMe campaign to pay for his family’s funeral raised more than $30,000. Jonathan is moved by kindness and promises to honour his girls’ memory by spreading information about mental health.
A group of people who are sad
Friends and neighbours remember the sisters as being very nice. An emotional Pam Laughlin, another member, says, “I wish it could’ve been me instead of the girls.”
Another neighbour, Greg Williams, thinks that this tragedy will bring people in the community closer together and make them more aware of each other’s problems.
A Request for Help
Ashley McAtee, Rebecca’s friend, helps us remember how real and hard things were for Rebecca. “Rebecca did love her kids… unfortunately, I don’t think anyone was there for her.”
Jonathan tells parents, “If you feel like you’re having any kind of trouble, get help.” You can call me. I’ll answer. We’re going to talk it over.
As the investigation goes on, Jonathan’s advice stays with me: put mental health first and help those who need it.
A Gift of Love and Knowledge
People come together because of Jonathan Newell’s bravery and strength in the face of unimaginable loss. May the memory of his daughters start a drive to improve mental health and stop tragedies like this from happening again.
Call the National Mental Health Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP if you or someone you know is having a hard time.
