SALMON, Idaho -- The name of the victim in an early Sunday morning car accident was released this morning. [Monday, July 12, 2010] Idaho State Police said Kayla Wilkening was driving on Warm Springs Road toward State Highway 28 with Nicholas Ellsworth. Wilkening lost control of her vehicle while [she] attempted to negotiate a curve. The car rolled into a ravine before coming to rest upright. The 21-year-old Wilkening was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Ellsworth, also 21, was taken to Steele Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Neither person was wearing their seat belt at the time of the accident. Police do not know if alcohol was a factor in the crash.
I did not really know Kayla; however, she worked at The Shady Nook, where I have been eating, drinking, and watching baseball for the past two-and-a-half weeks. Usually, I'd be taken care of by Ashley or Amy - they got my name down after the first visit and knew I'd have the "draft Fat Tire," and a menu - but Kayla would be in and out, as well. The Shady Nook sort of became my "home away from hotel" while I was in Salmon, and I would frequently run into my clients (my client's wife worked there, too), a co-worker, the guy from the raft trip, other regulars... I bet a young guy a beer, and lost, when the Rockies beat the Padres. I was in the Nook when I heard that Steinbrenner had a heart attack. Well, you get the idea.
Monday was strange. Everyone knew what had happened (Salmon has a population of 3,122), although many versions of the story circulated. Some had Nicholas driving. Some said that Kayla was drunk. All were affected and in a state of sorrow or shock.
You see, one day there is a gal in a bar - and the next day she's gone. She's young. She's got so much life stretching before her - or she did. It's completely unexpected. And no one got to say "good-bye." It's very sobering.
I ate my last meal in Salmon at The Nook: macaroni and cheese with a green salad and, of course, a draft Fat Tire. The atmosphere was subdued and when I asked Amy how it was going, she got tears in her eyes. When I was ready to leave, we hugged. A fitting departure because people matter.
So, never let a parting be in anger. If you love someone, tell them. And always wear your seat belt!
2 Cheese Bits:
I just came across your blog and I wanted to clarify ONE thing...
1) Don't assume-Alcohol was not a factor in this accident. I have read the police reports and I had a private investigation conducted. I know the facts because I am her mother.
If you would like to learn more about Kayla and who she was go to her memorial page on Facebook and read her obituary posted under the "doc" tab.
Rest In Peace Kayla Wilkening
God Bless you today and every day,
Kelly
Kelly,
Thank you for your comment. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
I absolutely did not intend for it to sound as if I was assuming Kayla was drunk - when I wrote this post, the actual accident had not been completely investigated. I have changed my closing to reflect that, and I apologize profusely if this sounded otherwise.
I can't begin to imagine the pain of losing a child. My thoughts are with you.
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