If you saw the news coverage this winter, you might recall the little girl who was run over and killed while on her way to get a “Happy Meal” with her sisters. Chantell Buckner was that little girl.

As a result, the Buckner family has been under a tremendous strain since the untimely death of their little Chantell in late January of this year.

When a family in our community has suffered greatly, it is our responsibility to reach out to give our emotional and financial support to such a family. The Buckner family is that family. That’s why the Lansing media has come together to ask you for your help. We are asking you to dig deep into your pockets to help the Buckner family. Although, many people of Lansing gave money earlier, however, the Buckner’s had to split the funds between the two families involved. Needless to say, the Buckner’s were left with very little money.

What Happened That Evening:

The terrible tragedy happened around 6:35 p.m. on January 29, 2005 when three innocent young sisters were on their way to get a Mc Donald’s Happy Meal for the youngest sister Chantell Buckner. Of the three girls, LaQuata, 13, and Chantell, 7, were struck down by a drunk driver, Luther Wampler, 78, who left the scene of the accident. The third sister, LaNecia, 14, was able to jump over the guardrail and escaped injury.

On the next day, Chantell, died at Sparrow Hospital, on her father’s birthday. LaQuata still suffers from head trauma and is still rehabilitating in the Detroit area. Sadly, Chantell, a delightful youngster, was the only child of Bridgett and Eric.

The girls had taken the route of the tragedy many times, walking up East Saginaw Street. However, this time, snow covered the partial sidewalk leaving the girls nowhere to walk but in the street. Tawana Wright, the mother of LaQuata and LaNecia is also distraught. She had agreed for the sisters to live in Lansing with their father in order for them to attend a better school system. LaQuata was later transferred to a Detroit hospital to be near her mother. LaNecia, who attends Otto Middle School, is still traumatized by the whole accident. Losing both sisters has not been easy for her to cope with.

Unfortunately, the dilemma between the City of Lansing, Wampler and the Buckner’s attorney still continues. Some donations were taken up for the family, but the cost of everything has been astronomical. As a result, the Buckner’s are still suffering greatly from the loss of Chantell. The Buckner family is seeking legal advice to help resolve this situation.

The greater Lansing community, cannot take away the pain, but we can offer a helping hand to give some financial aid to this hurting family. As they attempt to recover from their great loss, let us dig deep into our pockets and give the kind of monetary support that can help them continue their fight for justice.

Please send your Contributions to Farhat and Story, 1003 N. Washington, Lansing, MI 48906. Make checks or M.O. payable to Eric and Bridgett Grubbs. The Chantell Buckner family wishes to thank the greater Lansing community for continued support in this effort.