ST. GEORGE — All it takes is a matter of seconds for lives to change forever.
Chelsee Rawe learned that hard truth after she lost her brother-in-law Kyle Smith.
As reported in St. George News, Smith was killed after the motorcycle he was driving left Interstate 15 near the Virgin River Gorge and rolled into a ravine.
Rawe, who lives in California, contacted St. George News in emails and by telephone and related some of the challenges her family is facing as they deal with the tragedy.
Rawe said she knows Smith had two helmets but the family hasn’t been told if he was wearing one of them at the time of the accident, nor does she know if wearing one would have helped.
“We would like to believe he would have been a little more protected,” she said. “But we definitely believe that everybody who rides a motorcycle should wear one to be fully protected.”
According to a statement Rawe wrote on a GoFundMe request, Kyle was a father of three to his daughters Karlee, 8, and Karissa, 6, and son Karson, 4. Kyle was 29 years old when he died.
Rawe wrote that since the death occurred in Arizona, the family is saddled with more expenses than usual as they must pay for his body to be returned to St. George.
Her statement lists the costs incurred after tragedies like these, including burial, headstone, casket and professional services, plus taxes and fees.
Her GoFundMe request to cover the potential total cost is $15,000.
“Kyle was young and did not have any health or death benefits for his family,” Rawe wrote. “Any remaining funds will be set aside in a trust to take care of his three children.
“We will forever miss Kyle, his infectious laugh and beautiful blue eyes. He was such a special and loved son, father, husband and brother. We will miss him dearly.”
Those who wish to help the family or read more about Smith on the GoFundMe request can do so here.
Rawe also sent an email to St. George News that describes what she has learned from this tragedy and what she wants to tell others.
She says that through this devastating loss, she has seen the people closest to the family come out to support them during their time of need.
“We have realized just how important family is,” Rawe wrote. “You take nothing with you out of this life other than your relationships. Slow down and savor everything.”
She said she hopes people don’t wait until it’s too late to “make things right in their lives.
“Be big enough to set aside differences and forgive one another. Don’t waste your precious time in pursuit of being right or wrong. Be willing to communicate and put your defenses down.”
Life is so short, she added. Spend that time healing hearts, loving others and being happy and at peace. Don’t delay because you never know when it will be the last time you see someone or hold them close.
“I hope with Kyle’s passing, that will be his greatest legacy, to remind others to love a little deeper,” Rawe said. “We have also realized how important it is to have a plan for your family. It’s never too early to tell your family what you want in the event of your death.
“It helps your loved ones to carry out your wishes,” she added, “as well as alleviating the burden of making hard choices while they’re grieving.”
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