RENTON, Wash. — The families of the four people killed and two of the children injured in a devastating car crash in Renton spoke to the media Friday to share more about their loved ones and call on local officials to make changes to the road to prevent future fatalities.
Eloise and Matilda "Tilly" Wilcoxson, 12 and 13, Buster Brown, 12, and Andrea Hudson, 38, were killed in the accident. Charlotte and Nolan Hudson, two of Andrea's children, are in the ICU in stable condition.
At the press conference, the three families described themselves as a tight-knit group, who helped raise and homeschool their children together.
"Honestly, our three families, the Wilcoxsons, Hudsons and Browns - the dads are friends, the moms are friends, the kids are all friends," said Buster's father, Jaron Brown. "If I weren't in this with them, it would be so much harder... If we have to do (this) at all, I'm glad to be able to do it with them."
In addition to telling the world more about their loved ones, the families had a call to action to share with local leaders and the community.
Speaking for the group, the father of Eloise and Tilly, Chace Wilcoxson, called on Renton authorities to do whatever they could to make the intersection where the crash happened safer. The 18-year-old driver, who is suspected of causing the crash, was believed to be speeding just before the collision.
Neighbors who spoke to KING 5 in the aftermath of the crash said 140th Avenue in Renton, where the crash took place, "has turned into a raceway."
"These are not the first fatalities that have happened here...but with help, they can be the last," Wilcoxson said. "We call on these authorities and leaders of our community to analyze and research what structural and other changes could be made here so nothing like this ever happens again."
Wilcoxson also called on the community to do their part to drive safely.
"When you're driving, think of the people around you. When you're tempted to speed, think of Andrea. When you're tempted to grab your phone while you're driving, think of my beautiful girls, Matilda and Eloise. When you're trying to make the light, remember Buster Brown," he said. "We ask for your help."
Wilcoxson extended the group's thanks to the first responders and the community for their outpouring of love and support.
Describing how the group was leaning on their faith to make it through this difficult time, he also took a moment to extend the group's forgiveness to the 18-year-old driver who is accused of causing the collision. The suspect remains in critical condition in the ICU.
"As we try to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, we believe in unconditional forgiveness, and we pray and we plead for you to pray for the young man who caused this terrible accident, and pray for his family," Wilcoxson said. "God loves him, and we want the best for him."
Here is what the families wanted the public to know about their loved ones:
Eloise and Matilda Wilcoxson, "co-captains" of the family
Twelve and 13-year-old sisters Eloise and Matilda Wilcoxson were the two oldest of their sibling group. They were "fine, kind and adventurous young ladies," said their mother, Rivka Wilcoxson.
The girls' mother said they "co-captained" their family, being only a year apart in age. They were devoted to their four younger siblings, and were "so excited" about their younger sister, who is still on the way.
"They were the best of frenemies, they sure knew how to duke it out when they needed to, but above all, they were just adventure buddies," Rivka said. "They loved nothing more than a zoom down a hill at high speeds on their mountain bikes or team up to wrestle their dad."
She went on to say that Eloise could often be found reprimanding her sister about how many plants they had in their bedroom. Matilda was an avid plant enthusiast and bookworm who loved to play the violin and go running with Buster, who was her "bestie."
The girls' mother said her only consolation was that they were together when they died.
"They were inseparable in this life... As bad as it is that they had to go together, I'm really pretty positive that that's how they would want it."
Buster Brown - 'One of the most fun-loving, adventuresome kids.'
Buster Brown, 12, was close with his older brother. They loved to mountain bike together, go to the skate park, and play basketball.
Buster, his brother and Nolan Hudson were an "inseparable trio" and often played in the family's greenbelt and in the woods.
"As fun and lively as Buster was, and as competitive as he was at sports, he was just, honestly the sweetest kid - is the sweetest kid," said his father Jaron Brown. "He just loves his family, loves his mom - he was a mama's boy like I've never known. We just love him, and we mourn for him, we mourn for ourselves."
Buster's mother, Jessica Brown, said he would want to extend his gratitude to everyone who helped raise him, including his teachers in his homeschool program, his cousins, his friends, aunts and uncles.
Andrea Hudson - 'Calm, patient, selfless,' and 'a treasured friend'
Andrea Hudson's sister, Melanie Hanes, said she was "Calm, patient and selfless," and never raised her voice at anyone. Still, she was "strong and courageous" and always stood up for what she believed in.
An artist, Andrea's home was described as "kind of like a museum," where everything had a meaning and a story behind it. Andrea loved birthdays and would decorate her home and make "incredible cakes" and throw "incredible parties" for her children.
Andrea loved the outdoors, her faith and her church. She loved serving with children and youth.
"But mostly, the most important legacy she will leave behind is the love she has for her children," Hanes said.
Andrea taught a project-based learning class alongside Buster's mother, Jessica Brown. Brown called Andrea a "treasured friend."
"She was a mother to me in many ways. I learned from her example," Brown said.
Two of Andrea's children, Nolan and Charlotte, are still recovering from injuries they sustained in the car accident in the ICU. Andrea's brother, Isaac Smith, said the two are stable, but still have a long road to recovery ahead of them.
"Charlotte is a sunshine when she walks in the room. She brings a wonderful energy," Smith said. "She's very creative and artistic like her mom. She's a talented singer. She loves people, her friends, family and cousins. She loves animals."
Smith said Nolan "is just an awesome kid," describing him as a smart and bright child who loves strategic board games and card games, and spending time with friends and family.
There are more surgeries and tests ahead for both children.
"They're making small baby steps toward recovery," Smith said. "We're praying for a full recovery and hopeful that that can happen."
Watch the full press conference here: