Permanent Memorial?

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Story Published: Apr 3, 2008 at 5:24 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2008 at 12:21 PM MST

By Kris Keach

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Martha Gomez: "Probably her smile. She used to make me smile even when I was mad at her. Or when I had problems she just smiled at me and that just made me happy again."

That's how Martha Gomez remembers her sister Cynthia who died here last July. Cynthia had been drinking that night and her car rolled off the road killing her and two classmates from Hillcrest High.

After the wreck the victims families put up tents and crosses to remember their loved ones.

Since then the families have tried to purchase the land hoping to erect a permanent memorial.
Last night the City of Ammon held a public hearing on the subject.

Ron Folsom: "One of the recommendations on the preliminary plat was for the developer to talk to the people who are requesting a park and work something out there if they can."

Tallman Construction owns the property and is already talking with the victims' families about the idea.

Martha envisions a park with plaques that show where the three teens died and another that tells the story of that night.

Martha Gomez: "We actually want to put a big pond or something in here. We want to put swings and grass...flowers everywhere."

Martha also hopes the park will serve as a reminder to teens everywhere that drinking and driving don't mix.

Martha Gomez: "She used to say that it wasn't going to happen to her and look at what happened."

An important reminder as we approach high school graduations.

The families visit the memorial of the wreck everyday around 4:30 in the afternoon.
And they'd like to thank the community for all their visits to the site.

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