A Colorado mother was left heartbroken after her children's father allegedly killed them and then died by suicide. The two young girls were visiting their father, James "Jake" Hill, 45, when the tragedy occurred. Now, family friends are rallying around Tierny Pearson as she mourns the lives of Jessi Hill, 7, and Summer Hill, 3.
According to a release from the Routt County Sheriff's Office, officers performed a welfare check in the 21000 Block of 4th Avenue in Phippsburg on January 13 and found the father and two girls deceased. The deaths are under investigation.
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There was no threat to the public.
When officers discovered the bodies, they determined the scene was a murder-suicide, according to the sheriff's office release. Police immediately let the community know there was no further threat and that it appeared to be an isolated incident. They asked for anyone with information to contact their office, as the deaths remain under investigation.
The children lived with their mother in another town.
According to the Steamboat Pilot&Today, Jessi and Summer lived with Pearson in Cedaredge but were visiting their father at the time of their deaths, Tera Sherwood Peterson, a close friend of Pearson's, told the news outlet. "I really don't want to get into too many details … but that's the basics."
Pearson and Hill were reportedly in the midst of a custody dispute, the Delta County Independent reported.
Peterson created a GoFundMe account to help Pearson.
According to Peterson, the family did not have life insurance policies, and the money from the GoFundMe page will help with the girls' funeral expenses.
"They didn't have any life insurance on their kids, and it's something that is very expensive to do and, you know, they needed the money for it," she told the Steamboat Pilot.
The fundraiser surpassed its initial goal.
The GoFundMe initially hoped to raise $15,000 but has brought in donations of nearly $17,000 thus far.
"Thank you all for the tremendous support and prayers for our family during this difficult time," a message from Pearson reads. "The girls will be home tomorrow and we will begin planning services. Thank you all, these girls are greatly loved by the community, love and strength to all their friends, teachers staff and family who are grieving."
One donor wrote, "My heart breaks for you and your family. Your loved girls shine in their photos. I know it is your love that helped them to shine. Hold fast to the knowledge that they were adored by you. And they knew it. Sending love and light your way…."
Many people agreed.
"I am a Mom and was a foster Mom. I can't imagine their Moms pain. I don't know any of them but just wanted to help. I'm sorry I can't afford to give more. Concrete Angels," one person commented.
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The community will hold a candlelight vigil for the sisters.
Friends and family plan to gather at 5 p.m. January 20 for a candlelight vigil and balloon release in Cedaredge Park. Peterson is organizing the vigil.
"We will start around 5 pm with balloon writing and releasing them we will do a candlelight vigil for these two precious baby girls, who got their lives taken from us all!" she wrote on a Facebook page created for the event.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
