A freshman from Boise State University was killed alongside her mother in a tragic car accident on Friday as they were on their way to the campus for move-in day. The 18-year-old student identified as Emma Nutter and her mother Rebecca Haslemann, 50 were driving in their van when they collided with a semi-truck.
According to PEOPLE magazine, the accident took place at around 11:45am while the mother and daughter were traveling through Highway 95 in Malheur County, Oregon. In a statement released by state troopers, preliminary investigations indicated the semi-truck involved was pulling on a loaded cargo trailer with 22-year-old Eric Murwanashyaka from Abilene, Texas on the wheel. The truck was traveling southbound when it crossed into the northbound lane and collided with the Honda Odyssey van.
First responders pronounced both Nutter and Haslemann dead at the scene while Murwanashyaka was rushed to an Idaho hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. His current condition has not been released.
Nutter and Haselmann, who reside in Santa Clara, California, traveled all the way to Boise State to help the freshman student move into her dorm.
Boise State University released a statement via Twitter on Monday addressing the unfortunate event that had befallen one of its students. "Boise State is saddened by the tragic loss of first year student Emma Nutter, and her mother Rebecca Haslemann, 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."
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 family described Nutter as an overall amazing person who was an outgoing and vibrant friend, sister, cousin and niece who lived each day to the fullest and touched so many people’s hearts.
Haselmann was revered as a teacher who treated each and every one of her students and friends as if they were all her own children. "They will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have felt the warmth of their personalities." “Both Emma and Rebecca always had positive attitudes, bright smiles, and an unforgettable, courageous laugh," their loved ones said.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up by the family to help pay for expenses. As of today, the fundraiser has received $67,255 worth of funds donated through the account.
