Tribune staff reports
A 3-year-old girl died of injuries she sustained in a crash early Friday morning on U.S. 31 in the Crothersville area.
Tavaya A. Bevers was riding in a 2003 Ford Windstar van being driven by her father, Devin P. Bevers, 30, of Crothersville, at the time of the wreck, police reported.
According to a news release from Sgt. Stephen Wheeles with the Indiana State Police, Devin Bevers was driving north on U.S. 31 near County Road 500S when he was involved in a near head-on collision with a 2006 Jeep Liberty driven by Brent Sawyer, 21, of Crothersville.
Trooper Jacob Tulle said the initial investigation indicates Sawyer was driving south when his vehicle crossed the center line at the time of the wreck reported at 12:40 a.m. Friday.
Tavaya Bevers was treated at the scene by Jackson County Emergency Medical Services personnel and taken to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, where she died. Her father and Sawyer both sustained minor injuries in the crash.
Her mother, Tonia Miller of Crothersville, described Tavaya as a loving child, who was ready to be a big girl.
“Everything was good about her. She loved everyone even if she just met them. She loved her family and friends, loved all animals and nature,” Miller said. “She was so excited about the thought of going to school, she would ask me every day, ‘Is it time yet mommy?’”
Miller said her daughter “loved being a princess, but yet a tomboy too.”
“She loved to be outside, rain or shine, and would always talk about falling in love and going to work and being a big girl some day,” Miller said. “I miss her and wish I could’ve had more time, but I’m thankful for the time I did have with her.”
Arrangements were pending Friday afternoon at Adams Family Funeral Home in Crothersville.
An account has been set up to raise money to help the family pay for Tavaya’s funeral and burial costs. Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/242dmb8.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Toxicology tests on both drivers are pending.
Tulle was assisted by state troopers Matt Holley, Korry Clark and Tia Deaton, officers with the Seymour and Crothersville police departments and Crothersville-Vernon Township firefighters.
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An account has been set up to raise money to help the family pay for 3-year-old Tavaya Bever’s funeral and burial costs. Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/242dmb8.
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