LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
A family has been torn apart by an accident on Interstate 15 that claimed the life of a mother and her young son.
Dani Fox, 30, and her son Zachary Fox died late Wednesday afternoon on I-15 north of Overton, NV, the Clark County Coroner's Office said.
According to Nevada Highway Patrol, the two were passengers of a southbound Ford F-250 pickup truck that was pulling a trailer when the tread of the vehicle's rear tire came completely off.
Troopers said the vehicle lost control and crossed the center median to the northbound lanes before overturning a number of times.
The male driver of the pickup was transported to University Medical Center with unknown injuries. The woman and child were pronounced dead at the scene.
"It's hard. My family … we're trying to deal with it," said Dani Fox's brother, Michael Palner.
The family was pulling a utility trailer as a favor. Inside the truck was Dani, her husband Cody and their three sons.
"They had a friend here in town who had sold a trailer to his wife's brother. His truck had broken down and Dani and Cody had volunteered to take the trailer home," Palner said.
Michael Palner told FOX5 his sister was a giving person, often babysitting friends' children or running errands. The family celebrated Zachary's third birthday just a few weeks ago.
"You know, we would be sitting there playing games and he would be under the table, wheeling his head between your legs, saying 'give me a kiss.' That's just the way he was," said Palner.
"Fun kid. He had his own personality - unique little spirit. He was very determined in doing things but a wonderful kid," said Dani Fox's father-in-law, Wade Fox.
"I passed Dani and Cody on their way out of town. I had just seen them about 45 minutes before (the accident). Your initial reaction is no, I just saw them, they are OK. When it happens likes this, so sudden, you don't believe it," Palner said.
A memorial fund was set up by the Fox family in Overton. You can make a contribution to the Fox Memorial Fund at America First Credit Union, account No. 9054198.
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A recent family portrait. Zach is seated on his mother's lap. (Courtesy of Rey of Light Photography)
