The family of Justin Berryhill says he is still recovering at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, but it’s a tough emotional road for him right now and for his wife.
They are the parents of 4-year-old Cassadi and 2-year-old Kandice Berryhill, both killed in an accident in Van Buren County. Brittney King was also killed. The driver who hit their car, possibly drunk according to police.
The two youngster’s grandmother, Benny Quinones, and their uncle, Kevin Lounsberry, talked about how special they were. They also talked about Brittney, Benny’s niece and Kevin’s cousin.
“Cassadi played soccer this year and the last game she scored a goal,” says Belinda (Benny) Quinones, the child’s grandmother.
It’s a tough night for her as she tries to comfort her daughter while mourning the loss of her two grandchildren as well. Cassadi was the oldest at 4-years-old.
“She was always the bossy one, she was bossy and a little know-it all but she was so cute,” says Benny. She also described with a smile the time she had with her 2-year-old granddaughter, Kandice. Her nickname was Kandi (Candy).
“Kandi was the mischievous one. She was the one that would get into trouble and turn around and look at you. She was cuddly and liked to come in and cuddle and sleep with me sometimes,” says Benny.
“Two little blondies with blue eyes. Even when they were being naughty, they were cute doing it.” says Kevin Lounsberry, the girls’ uncle.
Benny describes the turmoil her daughter and son-in-law are going through. “He wakes up and they tell him about it and he goes back to sleep and he wakes up and he’s just re-living the whole thing every time he wakes up,” says Benny. “Her and Justin are having a very difficult time right now, they lost their, they lost their family.”
There are also tears for Benny’s niece Brittney King.The young mom leaves behind two young daughters of her own. “Brittney she was so funny, wonderful, wonderful sense of humor, oh man, did she make me laugh,” says Benny.
“My sister’s going to be back tonight and she’s got to face the loss of her daughter too. It’s a whole family affair here. It’s a whole family of pain,”
The family is grateful to those supporting them in spirit. “There’s just this sympathy and prayers all that, we really need it right now,” says Kevin.
“You’re always taking a chance when you go out drinking and driving. You’re always taking a chance and this guy that did this, his luck ran out at our expense. My whole family’s expense,” says Benny.
