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Family Speaks Out About Loved Ones Hurt In Wrong-Way Crash

POSTED: Monday, July 21, 2008
UPDATED: 12:59 am EDT July 22, 2008

Relatives of a family that was inside one of two vehicles involved in a fatal, head-on wreck last week talked to Channel 4 on Monday about their loved ones and the crash that changed their lives.

Injured Family Recovering From Head-On Crash

On Thursday, what began as fun family trip turned into a devastating tragedy during a rainy morning on a stretch of highway in St. Johns County.

Two women died in the crash on Interstate 95, including a mother who was on vacation with her husband and children from South Carolina.

Troopers said a St. Augustine woman, 33-year-old Rachel Higgins, was driving south on I-95 northbound between International Golf Parkway and state Road 16 about 3 a.m. when her car crashed head-on into an SUV carrying the Baughman family.

The Baughmans -- Debra Baughman, 45, Scott Baughman, 44, Lindsey Baughman, 19, and Aaron Baughman, 13 -- had been visiting Disney World and were on their way to see family members in Orange Park when they were involved in the crash.

Drivers who witnessed the crash desperately called 911 to report what happened:
"We just had a major accident on 95. There was car heading southbound and hit a car head-on in that northbound lane over there," one witness told an emergency operator.

"It looked like a small, dark vehicle driving on the wrong side of the highway," said a man who called 911.

"It looked pretty bad from what I saw," said another caller.

Rescuers found the Baughmans' camera in the wreckage. On the camera were photos that had been taken just days before during the family's fun-filled vacation.

"That's the sad part of the story. After four days at Disney, on the fourth day, they closed the park and were supposed to be here at three in the morning," said Scott Baughman's brother, Jeff Baughman.

He said his brother had been driving the car with his wife in the font seat and their kids asleep in the back seat when Higgins' vehicle hit them head-on.

Debbie Baughman and Higgins died on impact. Scott Baughman and Lindsey Baughman were rushed to an area hospital. Aaron Baughman was airlifted to a hospital.

"He was not breathing at the crash site. They got him out of there," said family member Lisa Baughman.

The 13-year-old broke his neck in the crash, but doctors said they are hopeful he'll make a full recovery.

Since the wreck, Scott Baughman has had surgery on his leg. His family said it could be months before he walks again. Lindsey Baughman has been released from the hospital. Her family said although she has been stiff and sore, she continues to get better while staying with her aunt and uncle right in Orange Park.

The family said it's dealing with Debbie Baughman's death one day at a time and it helps that they're all together.

"It's a tragedy. We are going to miss her dearly," Lisa Baughman said.

They said they're relying heavily on their faith to get them through the tragedy.

"She was a family woman who loved God and loved her family. That's what she would have wanted. She would have wanted her family to go on," said Lisa Baughman.

The family said since the crash it has been inundated with calls from people wanting to know how they can help. They said anyone wishing to help can send a donation to the First Palmetto Savings Bank, Attn: Debra Baughman Family Fund, 211 N. Main St., Summerville, SC 29483.

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