OSAGE COUNTY, Mo. — Two people were killed and several others were injured when the boat they were riding in crashed into a rock bluff on Labor Day weekend in Osage County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a gator boat was traveling south on the Gasconade River, upstream from Pointers Creek, at about 7 p.m. Sunday when the boat struck a tree root, causing it to crash into a rock bluff.
Samantha Newbound said her family from Owensville enjoyed the holiday weekend boating on the river, one of their favorite things to do.
"Reven knew the river better than anyone I knew. It was just a shock at what happened. Never in a million years would I have thought this would happen. We've been down that river so many times. It was very unexpected," the mother said.
The boat's driver and Samantha's 30-year-old husband, Reven Newbound, and their 7-year-old daughter, Avery DeBoeuf, were killed in the accident. Samantha and three of their other children had serious injuries.
"She was my first child. She just had a heart of gold. She'd light up anyone's world, and he was goofy. I mean, he could make anyone laugh. He loved her so much, and she loved him. I'm just glad they're together. I wish they were still here with me," Samantha said.
As of Wednesday evening, Samantha Newbound is still recovering at the University of Missouri Hospital. She broke her tibia and fibula in her right leg. The couple's 9-year-old daughter, Addysan, is also still in the hospital.
Their son, Talton, who turns one next week, and 4-year-old daughter, Kiah, have been released from the hospital.
"I'm just trying to be strong. I don't think reality has fully hit me. They were just amazing people who were taken way too soon. I'm getting by each day at a time just knowing they touched many people's lives," said Samantha.
One of the boat's passengers, a 21-year-old woman from Bland, suffered only minor injuries and was treated at the scene, according to MSHP.
While the children on board were wearing safety devices, the adults were not, according to the crash report.
These were the third and fourth boating fatalities for Troop F so far this year, according to MSHP data.
The community in Owensville has rallied around the Newbound family. A GoFundMe page has already raised over $30,000. There's also an account set up at every Maries County Bank location to support the family.
A 'Newbound Family Benefit' is happening on Nov. 9 at the White Mule Winery in Owensville.
"I'm very thankful for all the support. It's just simply amazing that everyone has reached out to help. The kids and I have a long road ahead of us when we get out of here and I know we have so much support," said Samantha Newbound.
She is hoping she and Addysan will be released from the hospital soon.