A 38-year-old woman killed in a deadly collision near Renton this week that also claimed the lives of three children is being remembered as a kind and loving mother.
Andrea Hudson died in a crash Tuesday afternoon along with three children of close friends — 13-year-old Matilda Wilcoxson, 12-year-old Eloise Wilcoxson and 12-year-old Boyd Buster Brown — who were passengers in her car. Two of Hudson’s children were injured and remained hospitalized Thursday night.
Hudson organized and led a homeschooling group, according to her daughter-in-law, Chelsea Hudson.
Chelsea, 35, described Andrea as someone who “radiates kindness” and an amazing mother.
“Every time I was around her, it was like I was taking notes on how I could be a better person,” Chelsea said Thursday. “She was a wonderful person. A friend to all, kind to all. I don’t think I ever heard her say a bad word about anyone.
Andrea and her husband Abe Hudson, were high school sweethearts. They met as teenagers in University Place and married in 2006. The couple have three children – 14-year-old Nolan, 12-year-old Charlotte and 8-year-old Jude.
Nolan and Charlotte, who were in the car Tuesday, remain at Harborview Medical Center. Although Nolan is older, the family often refers to the duo as twins because they look so much alike, Chelsea said. Their father walked between their beds in the hospital.
Nolan is awaiting a second surgery, and Charlotte has begun to respond to commands, according to Chelsea. The family is accepting donations on GoFundMe for the children’s medical bills and for Andrea’s funeral.
Chelsea and her husband, Ben Hudson, live in Texas and spend the summer with family in Washington, D.C. every year. They would camp, hike and swim for a week in Port Angeles while the cousins played. Andrea always brought homemade goods and “made everything look easy,” Chelsea said. Her children, who are younger than Andrea’s, have always looked down on their older cousins.
“I associate [Andrea] with tourism. I associate it with the beach. I associate it with family gatherings,” Chelsea said through tears. “It’s going to be very difficult to go back to Washington and not have her there. To me, she is Washington.”
Loving big sisters and keen violinist
Siblings Matilda and Eloise Wilcoxson, aged 13 and 12, were remembered in a GoFundMe post as a “true light” to everyone around them and loving big sisters to their four younger siblings.
“Their love for others radiated through their kind words and actions in service and through their infectious smiles,” the post said.
Boyd Buster Brown, 12, was an avid violinist, athlete and one of the “most energetic and fun-loving human beings you could ever meet,” his uncle wrote in a GoFundMe post.
“His passion for life, learning and taking on new challenges was infectious to all who were lucky enough to spend time with him,” the post said. “His family and friends will long mourn the hole his absence will undoubtedly leave in their lives.”
An 18-year-old man has been identified as the driver who caused the crash, the King County Sheriff’s Office said. He is being treated for injuries in Harborview and is expected to face criminal charges.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Eric White said speed may have been a factor. Family members of the victims said the driver was going twice the speed limit — when asked about the driver’s speed Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office said they could not confirm the speed of any of the vehicles involved, citing of an ongoing investigation.
“It’s just such a senseless tragedy,” Chelsea said. “I hope and I think what people will learn from her is just to be kind.”