Family mourns after fatal hay ride

All the love and all the protection in the world couldn't have prepared Montgomery family for what happened last Friday night.

Thursday, October 30th 2008, 10:52 pm

By: News 9


By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- No matter how much parents try and protect children, never take anything for granted.

"Always let your babies know they are the most wonderful thing and love them with all your heart because they need that," mother Carrie Montgomery said.

Love is something Zoe Montgomery always had plenty of. The 19-month-old was priority number one for her mom and dad.

"It was always about her safety," Zoe's father Shane Montgomery said. "We were the safest parents possible."

All the love and all the protection in the world couldn't have prepared Montgomery family for what happened last Friday night.

Zoe was accidentally hit and killed by a tractor-pulled trailer during a hayride at the Orr Family Farm in Oklahoma City.

Her parents didn't want to discuss any other details of that night. Instead they're cherishing her memories.

"I miss helping her find something to wear...and taking her to the park," Carrie Montgomery said.

The family from Moore said losing their only child has been more painful than anyone can imagine.

"I just feel so emotionally and physically drained," Carrie Montgomery said. "I wonder how I'm going to make it the next day."

Just when they're ready to give up, the Montgomery's think of their daughter with a signature smile who loved to dance.

"I have to do it for her," Shane Montgomery said. "Everything I do from now on is for her and I want her to be proud of everything I do."

The family plans to donate a portion of Zoe's possessions to an infant crisis center. They're hoping her belongings will bring joy to another child's life, but that's easier said than done for a mother who just lost her pride and joy.

"I see something of hers and I don't want to wash it and I don't want to let it get taken away from me," Carrie Montgomery said.

Members of the Orr Family Farm issued a written statement expressing their sincerest condolences to the family. The farm and the hayride are still open.

Zoe's family is raising funds to help cover her medical and funeral expenses. A fund has been set up in her name at Republic Bank and Trust. So far friends and family have helped raise more than $1,500.

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