A tribute to McKenzie and Josie
Josie Freier and one of her best friends, McKenzie Mott, both 15, were killed in an accident in Spokane Valley on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, after the 2002 Infiniti I35 they were riding in hit a tree. The community has come together to honor their memory and mourn their loss.
Section:Picture story
McKenzie Mott’s family released a brief statement this week thanking the community for their love and support. “McKenzie Mott’s tragic end is the stone that the Lord has thrown into the pond of life we all live in, and its ripples have touched all of us in this community in some way,” the statement said.
Courtesy photo
Rick Freier wiped away tears as he described his daughter working in the Toys for Tots warehouse and picking out toys for needy families. “Every kid loves Christmas, right?” he said. “Jo Jo loved giving presents more than she loved getting them.” He described his daughter as caring and passionate and willing to stick up for others. She was an avid soccer player; her father was her first coach. “She quickly outgrew my ability to teach her anything,” he noted. Her 8-year-old sister was just starting to play the game and the two would play together in the yard for hours, Freier said.
Courtesy photo
Tears well up in Rick Freier’s eyes as he remembers his daughter Josie Freier, Oct. 9, 2013, in Spokane Valley, Wash. Rick told of her kindness and dislike of bullies. “Live like Jo Jo” he said.
Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
A memorial of flowers, stuffed animals and messages are placed at the site on Wednesday morning, Oct. 9, 2013, where University High School students McKenzie Mott and Josie Freier were killed in a single car accident Saturday night.
Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review
Donna Swan visits the site of the crash on Wednesday morning, Oct. 9, 2013. Swan lives across the street from the scene at Bates Road and Ponderosa in Spokane Valley, Wash. She heard the squeal of tires and the crash. “I feel for the families and kids. Such a tragedy. It’s affected me” says Swan.
Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review
Austin Daines, Serena Jensen and Mikayla Amsden, of Central Valley High School’s ASB Leadership class, view all the donated toys gathered by the school for the “Toys for Titans” toy drive, Oct. 10, 2013, in Spokane Valley, Wash. Benefiting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign, the effort will honor of two University High School students, Josie Freier and McKenzie Mott, who were killed in a car accident last Saturday. Organizers are hoping to collect enough toys from around the district to cover the U-High gym floor.
Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
The gym floor was covered with donated toys during an assembly in honor of McKenzie Mott and Josie Freier at University High School on Friday, October 11, 2013. Mott and Freier were killed in a car accident Saturday October 5, 2013.
Kathy Plonka The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
University High girls soccer coach Megan Poulson, third right, tries to console members of the team as they retired the #9 jersey for McKenzie Mott during an assembly held at the school on Friday, October 11, 2013. University High School students McKenzie Mott and Josie Freier were killed in a car accident Saturday October 5, 2013.
Kathy Plonka The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
McKenzie Mott’s jersey was retired during an assembly held in honor of her and fellow classmate Josie Freier at University High School on Friday, October 11, 2013. The two were killed in a car accident on Saturday, October 5, 2013.
Kathy Plonka The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
University High School fans honored Josie Freier and one of her best friends, McKenzie Mott, both 15, were killed in a car accident earlier this week by bringing a giant cutout of Mott’s soccer numbe: “9” to the Central Valley game on Friday, October 11, 2013, at University High School in Spokane Valley, Wash.
Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
University High School fans honored Josie Freier and one of her best friends, McKenzie Mott, both 15, were killed in a car accident earlier this week by bringing a giant cutout of Mott’s soccer numbe: “9” to the Central Valley game on Friday, October 11, 2013, at University High School in Spokane Valley, Wash.
Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Central Valley football players wore “Unite” stickers on their helmets to honor University High students Josie Freier and one of her best friends, McKenzie Mott, both 15, who were killed in a car accident earlier this week on Friday, October 11, 2013, at University High School in Spokane Valley, Wash.
Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Twp University High fans painted their faces Josie Freier’s soccer jersey (9) and one of her best friends, McKenzie Mott’s intitals “MM” both girls were killed in a car accident earlier this week in Spokane Valley, Wash.
Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
University High football players wore “Unite” stickers on their helmets to honor students Josie Freier and one of her best friends, McKenzie Mott, both 15, who were killed in a car accident earlier this week on Friday, October 11, 2013, at University High School in Spokane Valley, Wash.
Tyler Tjomsland The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Share on Social Media