ImageMaker owner killed, family critically injured in Montana collision
Randi, Miki and Mike Hammersberg are pictured in a family photo shared on GoFundMe after a fundraising page was created after a car collided with their SUV on June 13. Mike Hammersberg was killed and Randi and Miki Hammersberg were both critically injured in the crash.
Photo via GOFUNDME.COM
BUTTE, Mont. — The owner of a downtown Sandpoint photography business was killed in a June 13 crash that also critically injured his wife and daughter.
Montana Highway Patrol troopers said Mike Hammersberg, 72, and his wife, Randi, 66, of Sagle were ejected from the vehicle as a result of the crash and their daughter, Michaela, 35, was partially ejected and had to be extricated from the vehicle.
According to a Montana Highway Patrol report, the crash happened when an 18-year-old Oregon female eastbound in a BMW 528 with a 17-year-old male passenger, also from Oregon, was traveling above the posted speed limit when she failed to maintain her lane of travel as she approached a slight curve in the highway.
According to MHP troopers, the BMW left the left lane of travel and collided with the Hammersbergs' Ford Explorer in the right lane, causing it to spin out and overturn multiple times. Mike and Randi Hammersberg were both ejected from the SUV. Michaela "Miki" Hammersberg was partially ejected and had to be extricated from underneath the Explorer.
Mike Hammersberg was declared deceased at the scene. Both mother and daughter were flown by medical helicopter to Missoula, with Miki Hammersberg later airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, the region's Level 1 trauma center with potentially life-threatening injuries.
MHP troopers said it appears no one in the Ford Explorer was wearing a seatbelt. Both occupants of the BMW told law enforcement they were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
The investigation is in its early stages. It could take up to a month before toxicology reports come back, troopers said.
A GoFundMe page set up to benefit the family had raised more than $10,000 of its $50,000 goal as of Thursday evening.
"For over 40 years, the Hammersberg family has poured their heart into their family business, the ImageMaker," page organizer Kim Wales said. "They found it a privilege to preserve your family memories and life stories through film — exceptional customer service was their mission. Given their inability to work for the foreseeable future, they will have no source of income to cover their expenses."
On the page, organizers said the family was hours into a planned two-week summer vacation when the accident occurred.
"Their SUV was struck by another vehicle attempting to pass them at a high rate of speed on a highway in Montana," Wales said. "The impact sent their vehicle airborne. Tragically, Mike was killed upon impact."
Randi Hammersberg suffered multiple critical injuries and faces months of recovery and rehabilitation. Miki Hammersberg was found by rescuers trapped under the SUV and airlifted to Harborview, where she has been listed in critical condition and undergone multiple surgeries. She also faces months of hospitalization, additional surgeries and long-term care after discharge, according to the fundraising website.
The family's two dachshunds, Ostara and Kai, survived the crash. However, two additional pets did not, according to the GoFundMe page.
The mother and daughter face a lengthy recovery as well as an overwhelming financial burden, from medical bills, burial costs and monthly COBRA medical insurance beginning July 1 for Miki to mortgage/rent, veterinary surgical bills, and daily pet care costs. Long-term, there will be ongoing rehabilitation costs and assisted living expenses for the mother and daughter.
Page organizers said they are grateful to the family's friends, family, and co-workers in the area who have stepped in to assist with the immediate home and pet care needs. And also thankful to those who have already donated to help Randi and Miki Hammersberg.
"The Hammersbergs need our help more than ever," Wales said on the site. "If you are able, any contribution — big or small — would make a meaningful difference. Even just sharing this message with people you know will help. Thank you for taking a moment to consider giving. Your kindness and generosity mean everything to them right now."
To donate to the GoFundMe campaign or to leave a message of support, go to bit.ly/4e6k8Lq.