On Friday, officials said that the Idaho woman who drove her sport utility vehicle off a cliff into a reservoir killing her and her three young children last year did so deliberately.
Revealed: Idaho Mom Intentionally Drove Off 50ft Cliff Into A Reservoir Killing Herself And Her Three Children Aged 13, 11 And 8
On June 2, 2016, the Ada County Coroner’s Office released a statement dictated that the deaths were ruled a triple homicide-suicide.
They said that the 40-year-old Noel Bankhead drove a Land Rover with her three children off a 50-foot (15-meter) cliff. The vehicle sank in 40 feet (12 meters) of water in Lucky Peak Lake.
Officials said 40-year-old Noel Bankhead drove a Land Rover off a 50-foot (15-meter) cliff with her two daughters and son inside
The bodies of Bankhead and 13-year-old Anika Voermans, 11-year-old Logan Voermans and 8-year-old Gwyneth Voermans were all recovered and the vehicle, with a crushed roof, was pulled from the reservoir. Drowning associated with blunt force trauma was the main cause of death of the four.
The vehicle sank in 40 feet (12 meters) of water in Lucky Peak Lake
Witnesses reported to investigators that Bankhead was driving on a state highway when she turned off and positioned then suddently accelerated the car toward the cliff. It was estimated that the drop point on water was more than 50ft from the cliff.
Officials said they found nothing mechanically wrong with the vehicle but were unable to recover information from a water-damaged device on the vehicle that records speed, acceleration and breaking.
The bodies of 13-year-old Anika Voermans, 11-year-old Logan Voermans and 8-year-old Gwyneth Voermans were recovered (pictured together)
The children’s father Robert is pictured with his three children in this photograph
Bankhead went through a divorce about two years before the crash. Robert is pictured with his three children
The Ada County Sheriff’s Office cited witness statements and lack of skid marks in making its determination that Bankhead acted deliberately. Toxicology tests found no medication or alcohol in Bankhead’s system.
Sheriff’s spokesman Patrick Orr declined to comment on Bankhead’s motive.
Bankhead went through a divorce about two years before the crash. Her obituary described her as an avid runner and full-time working mom who had worked as a paralegal and legal secretary for more than 20 years.
Obituaries described her children as active and curious with various interests and hobbies.
Officials said they found nothing mechanically wrong with the vehicle but were unable to recover information from a water-damaged device on the vehicle that records speed, acceleration and breaking
According to local law enforcement, the SUV they family was driving in went 40ft under water before hitting the bottom. Ada County Sheriff’s Office estimate that the drop between the cliff and the water was more than 50ft
One of my brother’s best friends is blind, yet they favor going to sport games together. I never really understood how in the world he could enjoy the game unable to see what is going on with the game, but as he explained to me, he could picture everythings listening to the announcers and feeling the energy of the crowd
She’s Confused When He Leads Blind Man Into Soccer Game, But What He Does Next Has Her In Tears
When Jose Richard walked into the football (soccer for our American readers) stadium in Bogotá, Columbia, many of the spectators thought as I did.
Jose suffers from Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting a person’s hearing, vision, and balance, which caused him to go blind and deaf by the age of 15.
Despite the hardships that have come with this debilitating disorder, Jose didn’t lose either his spirit or his joy for life. Even though he can’t see or hear the football games he goes to, he is still able to enjoy them thanks to a very special person in his life.
Cesar Deza is Jose’s eyes and ears. Hoping to support his friend, Cesar created a miniature football field on a piece of cardboard. When they go to games together, Cesar would sit facing the field with the board on his lap while Jose sits facing him. Cesar would take Jose’s hands and runs them across the board so that his friend can feel what is going on down on the field. And he not just simply moves his friend’s hands around, he conveys the emotion and excitement of what is going on as well.
Spectators at the games were brought to tears watching this beautiful display of human kindness. It is clear both of these men are finding joy in the game and in their time together.
Jose is incredibly grateful to his friend for the kindness and compassion he has shown. He said “There was no one to interpret a football match to me,” Jose continued. “I can’t tell you how happy I was when Cesar came with me to the stadium for the first time.”
For Cesar, his actions might not be some big deal, but it has given Jose back a big piece of his life. And sometimes, it takes only one small act of kindness to change someone’s whole world!
We all have a little good inside us. Share yours today!