Carrie Underwood Sends Flowers, Personal Note to Family of Isley Thibodeaux
Carrie Underwood dedicated her ACCAs win to 10-year-old Isley Thibodeaux on Sunday night (May 1), but the Female Vocalist of the Year had the little girl on her mind all week.
Thibodeaux was killed in a car accident on her way home from Underwood's April 24 concert at the Cajundome in Lafayette, La. According to KATC-TV, an alleged drunk driver swerved to avoid a rear end collision, but instead crossed into oncoming traffic and struck Thibodeaux's car, which her mother was driving. Three others were injured in the accident, including Albert Sampy, the man who caused the accident. He was arrested and charged with third offense OWI.
Jude Walker of radio station 97.3 the Dawg in Lafayette tells Taste of Country that Underwood was deeply moved by the story when she learned of the news through a record label representative he'd contacted. She sent a large bouquet of flowers to the girl's funeral and included a personal note to the family. She also requested to be kept in the loop about any planned fundraisers, Walker shares.
Thibodeaux was a fifth grader at St. Bernard School in Breaux Bridge, La. She enjoyed drawing, soccer, playing tag with her brother and archery. The active member of the St. Martin Parish 4-H club was looking forward to killing her first duck this hunting season. She also loved Underwood and was taking guitar lessons at a local music school. Her school was closed on the day of the funeral (April 28), and according to her obituary, her fifth grade classmates were honorary pallbearers.
Walker says he has not heard of a planned fundraising event at this point, but a non-profit donation account for the girl's funeral expenses has been set up at Mid-South banks. The account name is "In Memory of Isley Thibodeaux."
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