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ERIE, Michigan (WJBK) - A mother of two was out celebrating her birthday with her husband when just 20 minutes later -- their sons' lives would be changed forever. Pam and Jason Walker were killed instantly in a crash.
On August 6 the family went out to celebrate then the boys, Gavin and Nathan, were dropped off at home. Pam and Jason hopped on a motorcycle.
The two took a country road toward 23, when a driver allegedly came into their lane attempting to pass another vehicle and struck them head-on, killing them both. The driver of the car was hospitalized.
Their love started at the age of 15 when Pam and Jason Walker met, fell in love and soon were raising two teenage boys, some would argue to perfection.
"Their love was a love I wish I could have had," says Sandy Walker, the victims' grandmother. "It was just unbreakable."
"You want to talk about two selfless people, Pam was a nurse and Jason did landscaping and taught karate," says Joe Eide, a cousin.
It is alleged the driver of the car that struck the Walkers was under the influence, although no one has been charged in connection with the crash.
"The justice in itself is this guy has to live with it every single day," Eide says.
But justice is just a small part of this equation.
"Continued support is where we are most concerned," Eide says. "That is the goal, keeping these guys occupied and doing the things that their mom and dad would do."
"I don't want them to worry along with their grief," says Sandy.
Fundraising campaigns to lessen the burden on these boys include a pig roast this coming Saturday at Erie Mason High School, a GoFundMe campaign and a T-shirt sale.
"You see the 'Look twice, save a life' on there," Eide says. "It's really true. They were on a motorcycle, obviously, when they were killed and we're just trying to get out some awareness but also selling these shirts and the proceeds goes to the boys as well."
Through it all, the remaining family has grown stronger and can easily smile through the sadness knowing Pam and Jason lived a full life.
"There are so many good memories and I'm grateful for that," Sandy says.
The two boys, ages 15 and 16, have big plans for the future. One is a karate black belt and teacher like his dad, and the other is studying to be a chemical engineer, which is also a family trait.
If you're interested in making a donation to the family, you can do so via their GoFundMe page here.
Fundraiser information:
The Mason Touchdowners and cross country team are sponsoring a pig roast from 4-8 p.m. on Aug. 20 at Erie Mason High School, 2400 Mason Eagle Dr., Erie Michigan, 48133 to benefit the family. Tickets are $15 for the all-you-can-eat event. There also will be a corn hole tournament with an entry fee of $10 per team.
For more information call Shelia Cuschieri at 674-3050 or Shannon Graves at 693-0094.