Family of Siblings Killed in Piedmont Firework Accident Bring Good Out of Loss

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It's been three years now since a tragic fireworks accident in Piedmont killed Travis Dillard and his sister, Shannon Wilson, but despite their heartbreak, the Dillard family vowed to make something good come from their loss.

Last year at this time, the Dillards produced a CD featuring some of the music written and even recorded by Travis Dillard. Now, one year later, the legacy of Travis and Shannon will live on in the very place that tried to save their lives.

Construction is underway to update the Integris Burn Center. Louann Dillard is all too familiar with the burn unit. Her children, Travis and Shannon, spent weeks fighting for their lives. At that time, her family said they wished they had a waiting room just for ICU patients.

"It was painful enough watching our children suffer that we didn't want to have to explain to everyone that came in and sit down in the waiting room why we're here," Louann Dillard said.

Which is why the family is now donating the proceeds from their CD to renovate one of the rooms at Integris into an ICU waiting room. A plaque will be hung on the wall, honoring Travis and Shannon and letting others know their story.

"I think if I pick one word to describe Travis it would be passion and passion for life and passion for music," said Colin Dillard, Travis and Shannon's brother. "For Shannon the best word I think to describe her is love."

Friends and family said Travis' music is a testament to the family's strong faith, and even now, it has brought his mother comfort.

"I don't get to hug him anymore, but I get to hear his voice, I get to hear him, and even though I never forget, I get to remember the good things about Travis and his life," Louann Dillard said.

The family hopes to someday release at least two more CDs featuring Travis' music.

Learn more about Travis Dillard's CD.