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AMERICAN FORK — The outpouring of support burned brightly Wednesday night for the American Fork family shattered by a Christmas Eve tragedy.
As Ryan and Kelly Pack drove off from a family party with their two young boys Saturday night, an SUV hit them head on in West Jordan. Their toddler died from his injuries Christmas Day, and the parents remain in the hospital after multiple surgeries.
At Wednesday night's vigil in American Fork, hundreds gathered to let the family know they are not alone in their painful struggle.
April Page was among those in attendance. She went to high school with both Ryan and Kelly Pack, but she had not seen them in years.
I just wanted to show my support and let them know that even though people haven't seen them in a long time, they're still thinking about them and love them.
–April Page, friend
"I just wanted to show my support and let them know that even though people haven't seen them in a long time, they're still thinking about them and love them," Page said.
The Christmas Eve crash the family was involved in fatally injured 18-month-old Colum Pack. He passed away on Christmas Day after doctors brought all of the injured family members together in the hospital for a few final moments.
Ryan and Kelly Pack each underwent four hours of surgery Tuesday as doctors try to mend their life altering injuries. They're still in a lot of emotional and physical pain.
"They're resting and need private time, and have been through a lot of surgeries," said Scott Jacob, Kelly Pack's brother.
Finn Pack, just 3 years old, is out of the hospital and recovering well.
"We're very grateful for everyone who has reached out to all of our families and Ryan and Kelly," Jacob said.
Ryan and Kelly Pack have a long and difficult road ahead. Family members said rehabilitation for Kelly could take a year; for Ryan, it could take more than six months.
"Their family has touched so many lives," said Lynsey Webb, a friend of Kelly Pack's. "You can see it in how many people have watched the story and want to know how they're doing."
All of the people who gathered at the vigil are rallying support and donations to help with the challenges the family now faces.
West Jordan police continue to investigate the crash. They await the results of toxicology reports on the 40-year-old driver of the SUV, who was also seriously injured. That will take three to eight weeks.
"It's a big tragedy. It's important to let them know that there's a lot of support," Webb said.
The family has set up a Paypal account to help with the couple's medical expenses that can be found on their blog, kellypack.com. They have also set up an account* for 18-month-old Colum Pack at America First Credit Union, in addition to one that was set up at the Bank of American Fork for the entire Pack family.
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Written by Jed Boal with contributions from Peter Samore.
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*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
