‘She was a genuine soul’: Mother, daughter killed in crash on the way to take family photos

COLQUITT COUNTY, Ga. (WALB/Gray News) - A community is ing a mother and daughter who were killed in a crash earlier this week.

The mother and daughter were said to be on their way to take family pictures when their van was hit by a pickup truck and both vehicles burst into flames.

Jessica Phillips and her 3-year-old daughter Ellie died in the crash.

Authorities said the crash happened at the intersection of GA-111 and Bob Taylor Road.

According to Georgia State Police, the driver of the pickup truck failed to yield at a stop sign and collided with the family’s van.

Bystanders were able to help the family’s father and their three boys out of the van, but the mother and daughter remained trapped inside.

Diana Fletcher, a close family friend, said Phillips was a great person and an incredible mother.

“She was a Christian woman who was very nurturing and did everything she could for her family,” she said. “If someone wronged them, she would correct them with grace and understanding. She was a genuine soul.”

The Phillips’ boys were able to survive the crash along with their father Eric Phillips.

The boys’ father remains hospitalized and is receiving treatment for broken ribs and third-degree burns he suffered in the crash.

Loved ones have started a GoFundMe to help the family in their time of need.

“We are asking for help with the two funerals and any financial assistance that will help their children as Eric recovers from the injuries he sustained in the accident,” the fundraiser shared. “Thank you and God bless you all.”

A benefit concert for the family is also going to be in Moultrie, Georgia, after Eric Phillips is cleared to leave the hospital.

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