How To Help The Schmidt Family After Tragic Crash Claims Lives Of Mother, Sons

BEECHER, IL — The small community of Beecher is in mourning after a tragedy claimed the lives of a young mother and her sons. Lindsey Schmidt, 29, and her sons — 1-year-old Kaleb, 4-year-old Weston and 6-year-old Owen — were killed in a Monday morning crash in unincorporated Beecher. Police have confirmed that Schmidt and her husband were expecting their fourth child at the time of her death.

In the wake of the tragedy, community members have come together, hosting a vigil and prayer service in memory of the boys and their mother, and working to support Schmidt's husband and relatives in their grief. In response to an outpouring of love from the surrounding area — and many who have asked, "What can we do to help?" — a local bank and the family's church are accepting donations for the family.

A donation fund for the family has been set up at First Community Bank and Trust. Checks should be made payable to The Schmidt Family Fund and delivered to either the bank's Beecher or Peotone location. Checks can also be mailed to PO Box 457, Beecher, IL 60401. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Trinity Lutheran Church in Crete, where Lindsey Schmidt ran the "Time Out for Moms" ministry, is accepting online donations for the family — and warning residents against donating to any other online funds claiming to benefit the Schmidts. "Do not donate through any other sites or GoFundMe pages, as the family has not authorized these," the church said in a Facebook post. All money donated through Trinity Lutheran Church's online giving page will go directly to the First Community Bank fund.

"So many people have asked how they can donate to Schmidt family and help carry the burden of their loss," the church said Friday. "Please note they have asked that people only do this through Trinity or First Community Bank and Trust. To assist in the collection of donations, with so many out there who have asked to help, Trinity is accepting donations through our Online Giving page on our website." Donations can be made online under "special designation" and "Schmidt family fund."

As Lindsey Schmidt was driving a Subaru Outback at the time of the fatal crash, the Subaru community has also asked how they can help, Subaru ambassador James Jezierski told Patch. He said he is working to spread the word about another way to donate to the First Community Bank fund.

Community members can make donations in person at a booth during the Beecher Lions Club Summer Fest and Car Show, slated for 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at Firemen's Park, 675 Penfield St. in Beecher. All proceeds donated at a designated collection booth will go to the First Community Bank fund.

Lindsey, Kaleb, Weston and Owen Schmidt are survived by husband and father Edward Schmidt. Visitation is slated for 2 to 9 pm. Tuesday, Aug. 1, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1393 Elizabeth St. in Crete. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Aug. 2 at the church.

More from Patch:

• Third Child Dies After Crash That Killed Pregnant Mom, Toddlers

Schmidt family photo via Becky Broderick of Broderick photography.