Phippsburg, Colorado -Two young girls tragically lost their lives in an apparent murder-suicide on January 13. The tight-knit community has come together to support the grieving mother in covering the funeral expenses.
Last Saturday, local authorities discovered the lifeless bodies of Jessi, 7, and Summer, 3, alongside their father James “Jake” Hill after responding to a welfare check at their residence, according to a press release by the Routt County Sheriff’s Office. The incident is being investigated as a murder/suicide, and authorities have confirmed that there is no known threat to the community.
Tera Sherwood Peterson, a close friend of the family, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate the financial burden of the girls’ memorial costs. Peterson shared that the sisters were visiting their father, who was separated from their mother, Tierny Kay Miller.
The community plans to honor the sisters with a candlelight vigil and a permanent memorial, incorporating a plaque, in a local Cedaredge park. An upcoming event will include the release of balloons bearing personal messages in memory of the girls.
The devastating loss of these two young sisters has united the community in grief and compassion. As the family prepares to lay Jessi and Summer to rest, the outpouring of support and donations serves as a testament to the deep love and strength they were surrounded by.