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Family of victims in pickup, church bus accident asks for prayer

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By Lance Griffin

Published: July 1, 2008

Rippen and Brody Upton were already excited about a big bow hunt the family had planned in New Mexico later this year.

Rippen, 11, was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, and his father could never seem to pry a rod and reel out of his hand. Brody, 9, likes to ski more than fish, and lives for the days he could be behind the family’s boat on a lake near their home.

Rippen died early Monday morning after the pickup he was riding in veered out of control and struck a church bus Sunday afternoon in Dothan. Brody is fighting for his life in a Dothan hospital and their mother, Crystal Finnegan of Columbus, Ga., is also hospitalized from injuries she suffered in the crash.

Their father, Wendell Upton, has flown from his home in New Mexico to be with Brody.

Their stepmother, Annamaria Costlow, said the Upton children were born for the outdoors.

“Rippen would just sit there and bait his own hook and fish for hours and hours,” Costlow told the Dothan Eagle by phone from New Mexico. “He loved the outdoors, loved being around cattle.”

Wendell Upton is the custodial parent of Rippen and Brody. They live in Moriarty, N.M., just east of Albuquerque. Rippen and Brody had been on a two-week visit with their mother when the accident occurred.

“The only message that we would like Dothan to know now is to pray for (Brody),” Costlow said. “We just want prayer, and hope the community can get together and let Wendell know that he isn’t alone out there.”

Reader Reactions

Posted by ( Luanne Lee ) on July 04, 2008 at 2:03 pm

To the couple who stopped and held the boys’ hands, thank you. It is so comforting to know someone was there with them immediately after the crash. And for all who hold the family and Brody in their prayers, blessings. L. Lee

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Posted by ( llooney ) on July 02, 2008 at 10:18 pm

We are from Lagrange, Ga, my family were on our way home from P.C. also, we came up on the accident within seconds after it happened, there was no emergency crew there yet. My husband and son went to the truck, while I went to the van. My husband held Rippin’s and Brody’s hand and told them it was going to be “OK” until the emergency crew got there, the emergency rescue need to be commended, everyone that responded were great. I also met a doctor who stopped that was just passing by..Our prayers have been with and will continue to be with all of the families for now on. We have a 18 year old son, 16 year old daughter, and a 8 year old son, that day will forever change our lives. God bless the Upson family for their loss and the long hard days ahead, God bless Brody, may God reach down and give him the strength to fight, God bless the bus driver and his wife, who were also injured in the accident, God bless all of the wonderful kids I met that day that were so far away from their families, and God bless the parents, some of which I helped call to give the news your child has been in a accident, and last but not least, GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO STOPPED THAT DAY!!!! You could have just turned your heads and kept going.

Lisa and David Looney
Lagrange, Georgia

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Posted by ( ntkiki ) on July 02, 2008 at 3:43 pm

I am a family member of the two boys and their mom clear across the country in NM. I would just like to thank all of you for your kind words and prayer.

This incident saddens my heart, losing a nephew; his brother in critical condition, but your loving words show that there are wonderful, caring and giving people in this world.

It is truly a shame that “bad news sells” and that is what the media normally focuses on.

I would like to say though, that I think the Dothan Eagle did a wonderful job of their focus on the Church busses of people, their condition and the fact that most of them decided to continue on their journey.

God Bless all of you.

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Posted by ( susanbaker ) on July 02, 2008 at 12:55 pm

Please accept our prayers for this young man and his mother; as well as for Mr. Upton as he cares for his younger son.

Centenary Church in Kentucky is lifting this family up daily praying for healing from this tragic accident. We grieve with your community & families at the loss of this young man’s life and know the Father has his arms wrapped around this extended family.

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Posted by ( Tarnished Angel ) on July 01, 2008 at 8:40 pm

My family and I have been praying since Sunday evening for all those involved.
However our prayer have since turned to
these children and their families. May
GOD bring Brody a speedy recovery.

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Posted by ( mjault ) on July 01, 2008 at 8:07 pm

As a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, please know that our entire church family is praying for your family and Brody. May God give you strength in the days to come.
Melinda Ault

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Posted by ( concernedviewer ) on July 01, 2008 at 7:47 pm

this story deeply saddens my heart. i can’t even begin to imagine how you must be feeling. my prayers are definitely with you all at this sad and tragic time. God will see you through just remember that. everything happens for a reason that none of us may never understand. God doesn’t close one door without opening another. God loves us and i know it’s very hard sometimes to understand why things happen the way they do. My prayers are with you. I pray God will ease your heartache. I deeply feel your pain. I don’t know you but we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

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Posted by ( michaelthins ) on July 01, 2008 at 6:37 pm

Our prayers and thoughts are not just with these families but also for the children and families with the church family. Janice and Michael

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