ROGERS (KFSM) - A memorial service was held Sunday (Jan. 4) to celebrate the lives of the Nguyen family, who were killed in a car crash in Indiana the day after Christmas.
Over a hundred community members attended the memorial, held at the Rogers First Church of the Nazarene. Family friend Annette Burkes organized the event.
"They were so alive and happy and just in an instant, their life was taken," Burkes said.
Fifteen-year-old Jurnie Smith was also close with the youngest children, David (age 9) and Lindsey (age 7). They had an older sister named Linda (age 14).
"They were really kind and they always helped out, they would always give a lot, they were real givers," Smith said.
Smith said the memorial service was a good way to remember her close friends.
"It means a lot, I feel like it's sort of a release from all the sadness and anger and just loss," Smith said.
Burkes said she organized the service to give the community a chance to say goodbye. She said she had no idea so many people would attend.
"I know they're gone and I know it's hard, but it's also ok to grieve, you can let go, you can cry, you can get mad, but it's not going to bring them back," Burkes said.
She said it's hard to understand losing someone close to you, but said she hopes those grieving will stay positive.
"Remember the good times you had, remember the laughs, and the fun Lindsey and David had when they came over to the house and you played, and played outside, just keep the memories alive, remember the good things," Burkes said.
Burkes said the Nguyen's extended family is struggling with burying their loved ones because of costs. The family worked with and lived in a Habitat for Humanity home, and Burkes said the program is collecting money to help with funeral costs.
For more information on how to donate, contact the Benton County Habitat for Humanity office at 479-273-3638.