Wisconsin family mourns loss of 8-year-old son owen hailey in fatal car crash

Owen Hailey, an 8-year-old boy from western Wisconsin, tragically lost his life in a devastating car accident in December. In an emotional interview, his parents, Joe and Alisha Hailey, described their son as the 'life of everything,' someone who 'squeezed every ounce of joy from every opportunity.'

Haileys struggle to cope, grateful for support

The family of four, with siblings Liam, Jada, and Lincoln, is grappling with the immense grief of losing Owen. 'We miss him every second of every day,' said Joe Hailey. 'It feels like it was just yesterday that we lost him, and it feels like a lifetime since we've been with him.'

According to Alisha Hailey, the fatal crash occurred when she lost control of the car while driving Owen to his orthodontist appointment after school. The vehicle spun out on a patch of ice, veering into oncoming traffic where it was struck. Both parents were rushed to the emergency room, but Owen later succumbed to his injuries.

The Haileys have found solace in the support they've received from their community, including the New Richmond Youth Hockey Association, the Minnesota Wild, and the Chicago Blackhawks. 'It's the only way we get to be sitting here having this conversation, is the support,' Joe Hailey expressed, 'or we'd be hiding in a dark hole, hurting.'

As the family navigates this difficult time, they wish they could tell Owen once more how deeply they love him. In tribute to their son, they're determined to live life in his honor and raise their remaining children with the same joy and resilience Owen embodied.