A 4-year-old boy is now without both parents after a deadly crash on Highway 2 near Monroe — and the community is stepping in to support him in the days ahead.
Maryanne “Mare” Craig and her husband, Dylon Craig, both 33, of Gold Bar, were among three people killed in a head-on crash early Saturday, April 18, on US 2 near Monroe, according to relatives. The couple leaves behind their young son, Corey, who recently turned 4.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by relative Vanessa Leeper has been launched to help support the boy following the sudden loss of his parents.
“We are raising money to ensure that Corey gets the best life after his parents’ abrupt passing,” Leeper wrote.
Family members say Corey will be surrounded by loved ones as he grows up.
“My Nephew Dylon Craig and his Wife Mare Craig were instantly killed last Friday night in a senseless head on,” Ronni Eloff wrote on Facebook. “It is going to take a tribe to raise this little boy. My sister and her husband will be co-raising Corey with Mare’s Mother.”
Eloff added that extended family members who live nearby will also help support Corey.
Friends say Mare Craig was deeply involved in the local community, particularly through her son’s preschool in Sultan.
“Mare was on the board of directors for her son’s co-preschool in Sultan, involved behind the scenes and in the classroom,” Emily Neisinger wrote on Facebook. “She was fully immersing herself in our community… And all of that has just been ended by a thoughtless driver.”
She worked as a dental assistant lead at Sunrise Dental, and ran her own face painting business, Mare Events, becoming a regular at markets and parties.
“Mare was such an amazing, talented person. She has done face paintings for my kids a few times,” Jessica Quadri wrote on Facebook. “This is a devastating loss for her son, family, friends, and our community.”
Head-On Collision
The crash happened just after 12:50 a.m. Saturday near Sofie Road at milepost 18, as Puget Press reported.
A westbound vehicle attempted to pass another vehicle and entered the eastbound lane, according to Washington State Patrol. The vehicle then struck the couple’s car head-on.
A 26-year-old man driving the westbound vehicle was killed, as were Mr. and Mrs. Craig. A second occupant in the westbound vehicle was seriously injured and taken to a hospital.
The collision forced a full closure of Highway 2 for several hours overnight. All lanes reopened shortly before 5 a.m.
It was not immediately clear whether impairment was a factor in the crash as the investigation is ongoing.
Loved ones are inviting community members to support Corey through donations and by sharing the fundraiser. Those interested in donating can do so via GoFundMe.
Additional details about the victims’ lives were not immediately available. Anyone wishing to share a statement, funeral information, or photos can email michael@pugetpress.com.
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