Family of mother, daughter killed in Columbus County crash pushes for ‘Arabella’s Law’
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The family of a mother and her 11-year-old daughter killed in a Columbus County crash is speaking out about the devastating loss, the legacy they leave behind, and a push for tougher penalties in some death-by-vehicle cases.
“Everything revolved around that little girl. She was the center of everything,” said Arabella Powell’s grandmother, Sherri Bunch.
Arabella “Bella” Powell, 11, and her mother, 29-year-old Amanda Green, were killed in a crash July 10 at the intersection of Rough and Ready Road and Hinsons Crossroads Road in Columbus County.
Bunch says the family’s entire world has changed.
“Honestly, none of us know how to do life without her. When your center has been removed literally like a thief in the night, you really don’t; we really haven’t had time to process, honestly,” said Bunch.
Arabella’s father, Forrest Powell, rushed to the intersection after the crash. He said what he saw is something that will stay with him.
“It’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life, to be honest. It was the worst thing I have ever seen in my life. I see why people tell people, when emergency responders and stuff, I see why they tell people don’t go up there, because when you see that, it’ll haunt you,” said Powell.
Arabella’s aunt, Nikki Moore, said Green was a loving mother and an important part of the family.
“She really truly loved her kids, and without her we wouldn’t have Arabella. Amanda, of course, did an amazing job co-parenting and just trying to be there for Arabella,” said Moore.
Investigators said 68-year-old Patricia Jackson ran a stop sign before the crash. She is charged with two counts of misdemeanor death by vehicle, reckless driving, and failure to stop at a stop sign.
The family has since started a petition calling for “Arabella’s Law,” which would allow other aggravating factors to be considered in death-by-vehicle cases.
“We realized that North Carolina, the law as it is in death by motor vehicle is really black and white; there’s no grey. Accidents absolutely happen, and we’re not saying we want somebody’s head on a platter because of an accident, but when there’s other mitigating factors to it, and they’re being negligent, and there’s no regard for human life, absolutely there should be more consequences,” said Moore.
The petition has gathered more than 900 signatures. Moore said the family has also contacted North Carolina state Rep. Brenden Jones as they push for legislative change in honor of Green and Bella.
The petition for “Arabella’s Law” can be found here.
