Emma Nutter, an 18-year-old embarking on her college journey, and her mother, Rebecca Haslemann, 50, met with a devastating accident on Highway 95 in Malheur County, Oregon. They were en route to Boise State University campus, where Emma was preparing to start her first year of college. This anticipated milestone was meant to usher in a promising future, brimming with possibilities, four years down the line.
On August 13, 2021, a devastating accident occurred around 11:45 am as Emma Nutter and her mother, Rebecca Haslemann, were en route to the school. According to PEOPLE, their van collided with a semi-truck hauling a loaded cargo trailer.
In an official statement, state troopers shared, ‘Initial findings indicate that an International semi-truck, driven by Eric Murwanashyaka (22) from Abilene, TX, collided with a Honda Odyssey van driven by Rebecca Haselmann (50) from Santa Clara, CA.’
According to KTVB 7, the semi-truck driven by Murwanashyaka was traveling southbound when it swerved into the northbound lane and crashed into the van carrying Nutter and Haslemann. The collision resulted in the tragic deaths of both the mother and daughter at the accident site, while the truck driver was taken to the hospital for medical attention. An update on his current condition is still awaited.
Had a tragedy happen to our family over the weekend, not everyone is in a spot to donate but sharing goes a long way https://t.co/mmGhmtmfwf
— trevor (@Tbettis16) August 17, 2021
Following the heartbreaking car accident that tragically took the lives of two remarkable women on Friday, August 13th, grieving family members set up a GoFundMe campaign to provide assistance for funeral arrangements and associated expenses. The campaign serves as an avenue for expressing their deep sorrow and seeking support during this profoundly difficult time.
According to the campaign’s description, the victims were en route to Boise State University to help Emma settle into her dormitory. The heartfelt message further described Emma as a spirited and vivacious individual, cherished as a dear friend, sister, cousin, niece, and an extraordinary person who radiated positivity. She embraced life to the fullest, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of countless people.
Rebecca Haslemann, in addition to being a cherished mother, aunt, and wife, was also an esteemed teacher and a true friend. She possessed a remarkable ability to treat every student and friend with the same love and care as if they were her own child.
Boise State is saddened by the tragic loss of first year student Emma Nutter, and her mother Rebecca Haselmann, who died in a vehicle collision while traveling to Boise for school. We are grateful to the first responders in Malheur County, Oregon, who responded to the accident. pic.twitter.com/3fgJZMyin4
— Boise State University (@BoiseState) August 16, 2021
The grieving family shared that both Emma and Rebecca radiated positivity, adorned with warm smiles and unwaveringly courageous laughter that left an everlasting impression. Their absence will be deeply felt by everyone fortunate enough to have experienced the warmth of their vibrant personalities.
On August 16, 2021, Boise State University expressed profound sadness in a statement, mourning the tragic loss of their first-year student, Emma Nutter, and her mother, Rebecca Haslemann, who lost their lives in a devastating vehicle collision while en route to Boise for the start of the school year. The university extended gratitude to the first responders in Malheur County, Oregon, for their swift response to the accident.