Family thanks community for assistance

SPOKANE — In the midst of their grief, the family of two children who died following a Saturday accident want to thank those who tried to save their sons.

Thane Ashmoore, 2, and Cameron Ashmoore, 8 months, passed away, Saturday, due to injuries suffered when a car driven by their mother, Bethany S. Ashmoore, 28, of Fairfield, Wash., slid off the road and landed upside down in Spring Creek in about four feet of water.

Passersby were able to help Bethany Ashmoore from the vehicle and, after several attempts to unbuckle the toddler's car seats, also were able to free Thane and Cameron Ashmoore.

The family was on its way home after a visit with family members who live in Clark Fork.

"We would like to thank Charlie Worm, the gentleman who rescued Bethany from the car, radioed for help and took the boys to the ambulance," said family members in a statement. "We would also like to thank the branches of the Bonner County Emergency Services and Idaho State patrol for their quick response and compassion."

After the car slid off the road, Bethany Ashmoore was taken to Bonner General Hospital, where she was treated and released. Attempts to revive Thane and Cameron Ashmoore were unsuccessful.

Tuesday, Bethany and Jeremy Ashmoore sent out a press release through their church, Faith Bible Church of Spokane.

"We will miss Cameron's delightful smile and Thane's exuberant personality. Our hope is in God and His sufficient grace," they wrote. "We would also like to thank our family, church friends and all the people who are supporting us and praying for us."

The Ashmoores also thanked Bart Casey of Lakeview Funeral Home, "who has cared for us and our sons so tenderly."

Family members remembered Thane Ashmoore as a smart, busy little boy who loved trucks, trailers and tractors and enjoyed building things with his dad and reading with his mom.

They remembered Cameron as a bright, energetic baby who thought nothing of rolling to get where he wanted to go and loved being in his walker so he could follow his big brother around the house, smiling the whole time.