A husband and wife were killed after getting out of their car following a devastating five-vehicle crash that left two other people critically injured.
Katherine “Katie” Barton, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene, while her husband, Zachary Barton, 39, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The crash happened on Sept. 20 when a Ford Fiesta reportedly passed a pickup truck before moving back into the right lane and striking equipment being pulled by a farm tractor. The equipment became separated, sending debris into the roadway and causing a Chevrolet Traverse and a Ford F-150 to collide with it.
Katie and Zachary were inside the F-150. After the crash, they got out of the vehicle to assess the situation. A 12-year-old passenger from the Traverse also got out. While they were outside their vehicles, they were struck.
The 12-year-old and the driver of the Ford Fiesta were both critically injured. Authorities said no other injuries were reported.
Loved ones said the Bartons were parents to two children under the age of 6 and remembered the couple for their kindness and willingness to help others.
Investigators said alcohol may have played a role in the initial crash, though the circumstances remain under investigation. The identities of the two critically injured people have not been released.