Go Fund Me page set up to help family
Zion Amari Charles
By Becky Long
Publisher
A 1-year-old child who loved ones described as the “heart and soul of his entire family,” died Oct. 19 after he was involved in a two-car accident on Highway 64 late Saturday morning.
After the accident Zion Amari Charles, of Murphy, was transported to Erlanger ER where he succumbed to his injuries, according to N.C. Trooper Charlie Cheeks.
Zion was riding in a child restraint seat in a 2002 Toyota Camry driven by his mother, Jasmine Rose Dills and traveling with his father, Taevion Charles, a passenger in the front seat.
The accident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. when Dills was traveling west toward Murphy. Her Toyota ran off the right side of the road and she over-corrected, crossing the centerline into the path of a 1987 Ford F250, according Cheeks.
The pickup was driven by Hayesville resident, Harry Watts Wells who was initially transported to Erlanger ER, transferred to Chattanooga and released later the same night.
Zion’s mom and dad were air-flighted to Northeast Georgia Medical Center and both were released later that night.
“Zion was a daddy’s boy from the moment he was born and his mom’s little snuggle buddy,” his family wrote in his obituary. “Zion had the sweetest smile and most adorable laugh that would simply melt your heart and ensure he got his way. “
They went on to describe him as a “happy, yet still mischievous little boy who got into his parent’s things, but that smile always won out over them getting mad. Zion was a smart little boy and his parents cherished each and every moment they had with him.”
Services for Zion will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home in Murphy.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help with expenses associated with Zion’s death.
“My brother’s son and my nephew Zion passed away this weekend in a tragic accident,” organizer Tiffani Johnson wrote on the page.
“This young family has worked hard to create a beautiful life for themselves and their child, and this tragedy has altered the trajectory of their lives forever.”
Johnson’s post went on to say, “During this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out to our community for your love, support and generosity. The financial burden of this unexpected loss is immense and we are humbly asking for your help to cover the costs of funeral expenses, medical bills and other related expenses.”