Memories, condolences, and messages of shock and anger flooded social media this weekend as news of the death of 19-year-old Samantha Fowlow of Middle Arm broke, and those who knew her expressed their grief in different ways.
Fowlow was a graduate of MSB Regional Academy in Middle Arm and was on her way home from work in Springdale on Saturday night, November 3, when her car left the road near Black Brook Bridge on Highway 410, and took the life of the young girl who was described by many as ‘beautiful on the inside and out.’
Police in Baie Verte say Fowlow was the lone occupant in the vehicle at the time, and no other vehicles were involved in the incident. Conditions were foggy and wet at the time when the accident occurred and alcohol is not believed to be a factor.
Paramedics and Police from Baie Verte along with Fire and Rescue crews from Baie Verte and Springdale responded to the tragedy, but the girl succumded to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fowlow’s schoolmates, family and friends took to Facebook shortly after the incident and within a couple of hours over 500 people were part of an online group dedicated to her memory.
Messages of remembrance and grief flooded the page, and photos with poems and verses were scattered everywhere as it was evident the young girl with the bright smile lit up so many of their lives.
“Such a beautiful lady taken away to (sic) soon,” said one commenter. “Samantha you will always be remembered.”
Others sent messages of hope to the family that is grieving for the loss of the young girl, while more wrote as if talking directly to Samantha, saying the things they didn’t get a chance to say the last time they saw her alive.
The town of Middle Arm is also in mourning as the close-knit community has felt the weight of losing one of its own at such a young age, and in such a tragic way.
“The town is feeling the loss,” said Mayor Neville Robinson. “Samantha was a well-liked girl who was kind hearted and full of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”
The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. RCMP are working with Traffic Analysts from Grand Falls-Windsor to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The funeral for Samantha Fowlow took place Thursday, November 8, in Middle Arm.
editor@thenorwester.ca
