#kylecoble

[linelight15]

Today We Remember: Kyle, Emma and Katie Coble

Kyle, Emma and Katie were born to Chris and Lori Coble in Thousand Oaks, California.

Kyle Christopher Coble

May 3rd, 2002-May 4th, 2007

Kyle was described as a very outgoing and caring kid who had a huge love for life and lived it to the fullest from the moment he woke up till the moment he fell asleep. He loved school, T-ball, soccer, Spiderman, riding his bike or scooter, and his many friends and family.

Emma Lynn Coble

April 16th, 2003-May 4th, 2007

Emma was described as quiet but brave. She was always willing to try new things, whether it was eating what her parents were having for dinner or riding the biggest rollercoaster at the amusement park. She loved princesses, riding her bike, playing dress-up, school, dancing, and her dad, whom she had a close relationship with.

Katie Gene Coble

March 6th, 2005-May 4th, 2007

Katie was very independent and outgoing and described as a mommy's girl. She was always wanting to whatever her older siblings were doing. She was learning how to talk in full sentences and was able to ride a tricycle at just a year old. She also loved giving hugs and kisses to her family.

The Day That Changed Everything

On May 4th, 2007, the day after Kyle's 5th birthday, the kids went to a local mall to ride the Ferris Wheel, the Carousel, and do some shopping, with their mom and grandmother. Nap time was around the corner, so the kids were strapped into their car seats and their mom started to drive for home. On the way, they got stopped in California traffic. The last thing that their mom, Lori, remembered was looking in the back seats while the car was stopped. Kyle was playing on his new Nintendo DS that he received as a birthday gift the day before, Emma was watching a movie, and Katie was starting to fall asleep and Lori started tickling her toes so she would be able to nap when they got home.

While waiting for the traffic to light up, a 18-wheeler carrying 20 tons of electronics, was speeding and crashed into the back of the Coble's minivan at 55 mph. Lori's mom, Cindy, remembers hearing the bending and cracking of the car during the crash and the ambulances and firetruck sirens. Because of the severity of the injuries, Lori and her mom were taken to one hospital, Kyle and Katie were taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, and Emma was taken to Saddleback Memorial Hospital in Laguna Hills.

Chris Coble was at work when he got the phone call about the car crash. He rushed to Mission Hospital where the doctor was waiting for him to arrive. The doctor told Chris that Katie died shortly after 2 pm. Then Chris' cellphone rang and it was the doctor from Saddleback. The first thing that Chris said on the phone was "Please tell me Emma is ok?" and the doctor told him that unfortunately Emma had died. Chris dropped the phone and was completely devastated.

Lori woke up in the hospital to Chris by her side. Lori asked if the kids were okay. Chris had the unfortunate duty of telling her that Emma and Katie had died. Lori then asked about Kyle and Chris told her that Kyle survived the crash, but he had to have brain surgery. Lori then told Chris to go be with Kyle, as she didn't want him to be scared.

Chris then headed back to Mission Hospital where he spent one final moment with Katie, holding her and brushing her hand. Afterward, he went to go be with Kyle. The doctors discovered that his brain stem had separated from being hit so hard in the crash. When Chris entered the room, he saw that Kyle's eyes were partially open. Chris breathed a huge sigh of relief, thinking that Kyle was alright. But the doctors told him that he's been declared brain dead and there was no chance of him surviving. After Lori entered the room, Chris told her everything and they had to make a decision. Ultimately, they decided to end Kyle's suffering and take him off life support. That night, they sat Lori up in a wheelchair and placed Kyle in her arms while Chris held his hand, spending Kyle's final moments on earth. Lori and Chris told Kyle that they loved him and that Emma and Katie were waiting for him in Heaven. Kyle died at 8:52 pm.

Lori and Chris Coble went through a long time of mourning and grief. But after a few months, they decided to try to have more kids. After going through IVF treatments, Lori gave birth to triplets (2 girls and 1 boy) on April 30th, 2008. They named them Jake Christopher, Ashley Lynn, and Ellie Gene Coble, giving them the same middle names as Kyle, Emma, and Katie. Chris and Lori sees the triplets' births as a gift from Kyle, Emma, and Katie and a huge miracle.

The truck driver, Jorge Romero, was charged with 3 counts of vehicular manslaughter and was sentenced to 1 year in jail. Yet after all that they've been through, Lori and Chris chose to forgive the truck driver that changed their lives forever. They also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the California Department of Transportation, claiming the highway exit the car was in at the time was a dangerous one. They unfortunately lost the case and ordered to pay nearly $3,000 in legal fees.

Chris and Lori Coble still grieve for Kyle, Emma and Katie, but continue to honor them through toy drives and spreading awareness on traffic safety. They know that their children are looking down on them and their triplets, giving them comfort and hope, and one day they will see Kyle, Emma and Katie again.