Community rallies around children whose mother dies months after father’s death
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REXBURG — A community is rallying behind four children dealing with the tragic loss of both of their parents within the past six months.
Emilia Hammond passed away Wednesday at the family’s home in Rexburg. Her death is being investigated, but police officials do not suspect foul play.
Hammond’s husband, Darin, an English teacher at Brigham Young University-Idaho, died last November. His body was found in his truck in the Moody Creek area of Madison County. Police ruled out foul play in that case.
The Hammonds leave behind a 15-year-old son and three daughters, ages 11, 12 and 18.
Myriah Pope, a close friend of the family, set up a GoFundMe account Thursday with the purpose of helping the surviving children who are now being cared for by relatives.
“They are all trying to grieve such a fresh loss of their dad, and now to grieve their mom as well, money is the last thing they need to worry about,” Pope tells EastIdahoNews.com. “Darin was just an active dad. Always taking the kids on hikes and things. Always there to support them. And Emily, she was kind. She was always thinking of others and she was the most loving mom always there for her children to turn to. She lit up the room the moment she walked in.”
“We appreciate all of the donations, prayers, and well wishes,” Pope said.