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Silver Creek woman battles injuries after transport bus crash

Submitted Photos Pictured is Jessica Edwards. She was seriously injured when a transport bus she was a passenger in veered off Route 5 and struck a residence just outside of Silver Creek last week. Jessica Edwards’ family is collecting get well cards to share with her as she battles critical injuries sustained in a July 8 crash.

SILVER CREEK — Jessica Edwards has a smile that can light up a room.

But after a serious crash last week, Jessica’s bright spirit has dimmed as she battles critical injuries she sustained as a passenger of a Resource Center transport bus that struck an area home.

“She just didn’t deserve this,” said Jessica’s sister, Ericka Tenpas. “… Seeing her in this state is absolutely heartbreaking.”

According to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, 62-year-old Kevin J. Easterly of Dunkirk lost control of a Chautauqua County Resource Center bus containing eight individuals around 7:30 a.m., Monday, July 8. The bus crashed through two fences and into a residence, 2036 Lake Ave., located on Route 5 just outside of Silver Creek. Easterly was issued traffic citations for speeding and an unsafe lane change.

Jessica was not as fortunate. She was transferred to ECMC in Buffalo six hours after the accident. She has been in the intensive care unit and faces a long road to recovery.

“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions,” said Tenpas. “… We’re mad, we’re sad, it’s just all the emotions. It’s been a week of hell.”

Jessica, 42, is Ericka’s older sister. Although Jessica has special needs, she also has the special ability to show love and joy in a way few others can match.

“She’s so caring and she loves all her friends. She’s kind of like the mother hen of her friends,” Tenpas said.

Jessica is a lover of animals, especially cats. She also loves to color, and to look at magazines whenever she visits a store.

“I just want people to remember her smiling and being happy, being who she is,” Tenpas said.

Jessica’s family has already been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from the community. The Sweet Buffalo organization donated a toy cat to raise Jessica’s spirits, and has urged the community to send cards to show their support in her road to recovery.

Jessica’s mother, Karen Edwards, will bring all cards that are delivered to her Silver Creek home to ECMC when she visits Jessica.

To send a card to wish Jessica well, send it to 12131 Hanford Road, Silver Creek, NY 14136.

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