The small town of Wolcottville, Indiana, remains in shock after a devastating tragedy earlier this September.
32-year-old Rebecca Hughes was found dead alongside her children: 8-year-old Evelyn Newell, 6-year-old Allison Newell, and 5-year-old Amelia Newell.
On September 17, police conducted a welfare check at Hughes’s home and discovered her lifeless body alongside those of her kids.
“The Indiana State Police responded with detectives and crime scene investigators. Information known to investigators and evidence gathered suggests that there is not a threat to the public,” stated police in a release.
While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have not yet determined the cause of the tragedy, according to WSBT22. The Noble County Coroner’s Office has yet to release the cause and manner of death, or a toxicology report.
The heartbreaking news has profoundly impacted the tight-knit community of Wolcottville, which has a population of around 1,000 residents.
As the names of the family became known, many townspeople and neighbors gathered to mourn and pay their respects. Main Street was filled with candles and stuffed animals, creating a poignant tribute to the lost family.
Heart-wrenching update
“Everybody’s grieving in their own way,” local pastor Mike Stanley told WSBT22. “If we come together, and we share that and feel that love… there are people here that I don’t know from the community, and I’ve lived here for twenty-some-odd years. But if we share the hurt, we share the burden; it all gets a little lighter for all of us.”
The children’s father, Jonathan Newell, created a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral costs. He also issued a heart-wrenching statement.
“These kids deserve so much more than I can provide for their burials. Rebecca, their mom, took them with her when she passed on 09/17/2024. If you can, everything helps. If you need to be paid back after, I can make payments. I’ll do whatever it takes,” the father wrote.
The community rallied in support of Jonathan and the children, and by the end of the fundraising campaign, he had received an outpouring of generosity totaling $47,000.
”People who didn’t even know me or my kids started just giving money and sending messages,” Jonathan told ABC57.
On Sunday, September 22, funeral services were held at Hite Funeral Home for the girls, followed by a burial at Swan Cemetery.
”The funeral was beautiful and my daughters were layed to rest in peace . Please stop donating now I appreciate every thing but others need this now. Tomorrow I will start personal thank yous agin,” Jonathan wrote in another update on September 24.
What happened to the girls?
At this point, no one knows for certain, as nothing has been made public. However, interviews with Jonathan, the father, and Rebecca’s friends reveal a clear picture of a mother struggling with mental health issues.
Friend Ashley Gross took to Facebook to describe Rebecca as “quiet and shy” around strangers but “so funny and bubbly” with friends. “Since I’ve not seen one post with Rebecca Hughes’ picture or anyone showing any respect for her being gone, as well as her three daughters, I’m gonna post a couple I have found,” Ashley wrote.
“Rebecca did love her kids, and unfortunately, I don’t think anyone was there for her as she was going through something, mentally and emotionally,” she added.
In the wake of the tragedy, Jonathan has also shared a important message. He expressed regret for not being more present and hopes that others can avoid feeling the same way.
f you are a parent, and you have kids, and you need help, then get it. Because you don’t know when it’s going to be the last time you can,” he pleaded.
We are so sorry for the loss of these beautiful, innocent souls.
As the community of Wolcottville continues to grapple with this heartbreaking tragedy, the memory of Rebecca and her daughters will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew them. RIP!