New Bedford girl left homeless after fatal crash that killed her brother and mother; here is how you can help

The tragedy concerning the fatal highway crash in New Bedford last week continues to grow, but you can help change that.

According to Tim McGuirk of Massachusetts State Police, at approximately 9:35 a.m. on Friday, Troopers from the Dartmouth Barracks responded to a motor vehicle crash on Interstate 195 East in the City of New Bedford near exit 24A.

Preliminary information indicates that a vehicle carrying 5 individuals rolled over. 2 of the occupants were pronounced dead at the scene as a result of their injuries and 3 others were transported to a local hospital.

Gregg Miliote of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office stated that the deceased are Gladys Ivelisse Colon Kuilan, 35, of New Bedford and her 13-year-old son, Willniel Osorio-Colon, also of New Bedford.

According to Shannen Viveiros assistant director of the South Coast Harvest Festival, one of the survivors, 15-year-old Wilianys Osorio Colon aka “Nani” is now homeless after losing her mother and brother.

“Nani was left homeless when the car that she was living out of was totaled. Her mother was in the process of securing an apartment at the time, and was storing all of the family’s belongings in that vehicle. You may have noticed all the personal belongings scattered in the road at the scene of the accident. That was everything this family had. Without her mom and little brother, Nani is currently living with a friend’s grandmother (my aunt) while pending placement with her older brother.”

Viveiros stated that Gladys and 2 of her kids were passengers at the time of the crash and the other two occupants were adult male friends of Gladys and have since been released from the hospital. There was some confusion that they were children, but they were not.

As assistant director of the South Coast Harvest Festival, Viveiros is organizing a fundraiser for Nani to get her some essentials and establish a fund for her for future needs. They have begun securing raffle items from local businesses but could use more help gathering more items through 9/23.

“We would also welcome monetary or gift card donations for groceries, clothing, school supplies, or other necessities to stores such as Market Basket, Shaws, Stop & Shop, Walmart, Target, TJ Maxx etc.  Cards, letters and well wishes are also welcomed!”

The festival, which is being held on September 27-29th at 200 Pine Hill Road in Westport (at the Westport Fairgrounds), will have a locked postal box onsite by the merchandise counter in the artisan marketplace to collect donations of the items mentioned above for Nani. This is also where raffle tickets can be purchased. The raffle will consist of the donated items collected from local businesses and the community. Raffle winners will be announced and contacted at the conclusion of the festival on Sunday evening, 9/29. Participants do not need to be present to win.

Because of Nani’s current living situation, they cannot collect donations consisting of clothing, shoes or furniture because they do not have a place to store these items while permanent placement is determined. Organizations are currently working on securing housing for the siblings.

Raffle items, gift cards and monetary donations can be dropped off at the New Bedford Police Department in the South End (912 Brock Ave) through 9/23 or arranged for pickup by Shannen Viveiros (Shannen.scharvestfest@gmail.com) or Michelle Peay (Michelle.scharvestfestival@gmail.com).

Viveiros is hoping that the community will come together to help Nani.

“Nani is a sweet girl who could use all the love and encouragement she can get during this difficult time. She was scheduled to start her first week of high school during the week of the accident. Let’s come together as a community and give hope to a girl whose whole world changed in the blink of an eye.”