Photo: gofundme
A family is mourning their beloved family member who died while reportedly trying to save someone who was stuck in the snow during California’s severe winter storms last weekend.
Barbie Hughes was in Polique Canyon in Big Bear on Saturday when she was “run over and sustained fatal injuries,” her sister, Sarah Hughes,explained in a Facebook poston Monday.
“While we’re not sure on all the little details yet, something happened,” she added.
A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department spokesmanconfirmed Barbie’s deathto Fox News, explaining that “she was killed from a vehicle vs. pedestrian incident.”
The SBCSD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Withtravel restrictions and road closuresset in place because of the weather, Sarah explained in her Facebook post that airlifting her sister to a local hospital was difficult after emergency services were called.
“She was able to hold her hand and tell her how much we love her, so we’re grateful for that small piece. Barbie couldn’t really talk but was able to say, ‘I love you, momma,” she added.
After Barbie underwent examination, her family learned that her injuries were “substantial and severe,” continued Sarah in her post.
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On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsomdeclared San Bernardinoand twelve other counties under a state of emergency due to the record amount of snowfall that stemmed from what the National Weather Service called a “once-in-a-generation storm.”
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To offset the cost of Barbie’s memorial expenses, her family has created aGoFundMe campaign. It has currently acquired $18,800 in donations.
source: people.com
