Commerce, Georgia – Days ago, a deadly chain-reaction crash in I-85 destroyed a rescue group’s transport van, hurt the transport van driver, injured multiple cats, and claimed the lives of eight members of a family traveling in a Dodge Grand Caravan. According to officials, the driver of the semitruck that started the horrific accident, Kane Aaron Hammock, is facing eight counts of Vehicular Homicide (2nd degree), one count of Feticide by Vehicle (2nd degree), one count of Following Too Closely, one count of No Registration, and one count of Driver to Exercise Due Care.
The driver of a Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters transport van hauling 37 cats to a partner shelter in Vermont was injured in the accident, the van was destroyed, and many of the cats were injured. In a social media post on October 14, the Georgia rescue organization said:
The driver of the Furkids van was released from the hospital early this morning with some stitches and bruising. We are so grateful to him – who even in crisis, stayed by our cats’ side and did all he could to help them. Our van was crushed, and in the chaos, many of our cats scattered in fear. We have been able to recover 35 of the 37 missing cats, but “Birch” and “Strawberry Shortcake” are still missing at large. Our team is boots on the ground right this moment searching, and setting up more live traps.
On Thursday morning, the organization said two kittens, Birch and Strawberry Shortcake, are still missing. The group thanked the community for its support:
This week was one of the hardest in Furkids’ history. Through the heartbreak, we have been overwhelmed by the show of love and support from our community. ❤️🩹 Every message, every donation, every kindness, has lifted us up in ways we can’t fully put into words. We feel it, deeply, and it has carried us through. We want to thank everyone who donated, offered thoughts and prayers, and shared our story from the bottom of our hearts.
We are overjoyed to share that Morticia, the little kitten who was hospitalized after the accident, has been released and is now back with her foster, being showered with love and cuddles to help her heal. ♥️ The other kittens involved are stable and have returned to the comfort of their foster homes, where they are decompressing and surrounded by love.
Asking for calls if the missing cats are spotted:
Our search continues for Birch and Strawberry Shortcake, our missing kittens. We are worried about their wellbeing and every moment without them is heavy. We are doing everything in our power to bring them safely home. If you see them, please reach out to us immediately at 706-265-5637.
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