Community rallies around Miles family in wake of tragedy

Miles family

ROACHDALE — A local family is not without support following a freak tragedy Friday night.

Brooke Miles, 46, and her father-in-law Rick Miles Sr., 65, both of Roachdale, were killed when a large ash tree fell on the vehicle Brooke was driving shortly after 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, Rick Miles Jr., Brooke’s husband, was extricated and transported to Hendricks Regional Health in Danville in critical condition.

Brooke Miles had been a teacher at Bainbridge Elementary School and before that a teacher at Roachdale. Bainbridge Principal Brandon Wagler was quick to praise the work Miles has done for local children.

“Mrs. Miles loved each one of her students, and would do anything for them,” Wagler said. “She always had a smile on her face and was always wanting to learn new ideas to help with her students’ learning. Mrs. Miles collaborated very well with her colleagues, and she is definitely going to be missed by all who have come into contact with her over the years.”

Supt. Nicole Allee added to the praise, as well as noting that the corporation had professionals on hand to help students and staff members with their grief.

“Brooke was a passionate educator who cared deeply for all of her students. She will be deeply missed,” Allee said. “The school corporation had counselors and clergy available for students and staff on Monday and throughout the remainder of the week as needed. Please keep Mrs. Miles and her family in your thoughts and prayers.”

The community itself is also stepping up to try and help the Miles family with this unexpected tragedy.

Cheryl Crosby started a GoFundMe drive to help the family with expenses that could include travel, medical, funeral, food, lodging and other needs.

“As many of you know, the Miles Family needs our help and support,” Crosby wrote. “The money raised will go toward any of the expenses they are incurring right now.”

The outpouring was fast. Though Crosby had set a goal of $1,000, as of early Monday evening, $7,680 had been raised through 101 donations.

Anyone interested in contributing may visit https://tinyurl.com/2s8ufaz7 or go to GoFundMe.com and search “Miles family.”

Roachdale Casey’s General Store Manager Katrina Asher, who serves on the Roachdale Town Council with Rick Jr., has also started a fundraiser of her own for the family. After a member of the family contacted Asher with a need, she began collecting gas cards and restaurant cards, as family members are driving back and forth to the hospital quite a bit.

Asher is asking that anyone who can help drop off gas or restaurant cards at the Roachdale Casey’s and let the team members know they are for the Miles family.

“I am hoping our community can rally together and help them out,” Asher wrote in a Sunday Facebook post.