Police in Wolcottville, Indiana, discovered the remains of Rebecca Hughes, 32, and her three daughters, Evalynn, 8, Allison, 6, and Amelia, 5, on September 17, following a welfare check at their home. The Indiana State Police are currently in charge of the investigation as they await the results of the autopsy. It’s still unknown what caused the death. Authorities have informed the public that there isn’t a life-threatening hazard.
Jonathan Newell, the father of the daughters, talked openly about the devastating loss. He expressed his disbelief and rejected his mother’s concerns when he first heard the news. “Don’t worry, she’s fine, the kids are fine,” Jonathan reassured her, only to find out later that his daughters had disappeared. “At times, you get angry,” he explained. There are moments when you feel down. Because of your severe dissociation, you might not even feel like you’re there sometimes.
The community has united in support of Jonathan through a GoFundMe campaign, contributing nearly $45,000 for his funeral expenses. “This is really the last thing I get to do for them,” said Jonathan, moved by the kindness he received from complete strangers.
Even while the community grieves, Jonathan has made the decision to use the tragedy to raise awareness about mental health and to encourage parents to get treatment when necessary. In an effort to prevent such tragedies in the future, he stated in an interview, “If you are a parent and you have kids, then get it.”
