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Mother killed in accident one day before birthday alongside eldest daughter, youngest still in PICU
The Weimar community is mourning the loss of a local mother and her daughter after a deadly car accident took their lives, Sun., Dec. 8, leaving another daughter in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
26-year-old Sasha Barrientos, who was tragically killed one day before her 27th birthday, died alongside her eldest daughter, 9-year-old Zavrie Aaliyah McCathern, while her youngest daughter, 8-year-old Zaniyah Anai McCathern, is still currently fighting for her life in the PICU.
Many of those who knew Barrientos and Zavrie personally remembered the two fondly for their larger- than-life attitudes. The mother and her daughters were very active within the community, taking part in sports from basketball to track.
“Sasha was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever had the privilege of getting to know,” said Whitney Sembera Barrett in a Facebook post. “She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader, especially her girls. Zavrie was the sweetest and a beast on the basketball court.”
“You were hands down the most exceptional mom and I feel honored to have known you as a teammate and childhood friend,” said Shelby Randall Moyer in a Facebook post. “You would have given the shirt off your back to a complete stranger and worked 24/7 to give your girls unlimited opportunities. Praying hard for your family, Khalil and Zaniyah during this difficult time. I know you and Zavrie are up there teaching all the best basketball skills. You will be deeply missed by everyone that had the pleasure of meeting your sweet soul.”
Khalil McCathern, Barrientos’ partner and the father of Zavrie and Zaniyah, made multiple posts on Facebook updating those on the family’s state and remembering his eldest daughter Zavrie.
“It’s a rough time right now for me and my family and also Sasha’s family” said McCathern in one of the posts. “I appreciate everything and everyone continuing to pray for us. Pray for Niyah as she goes into her next surgery.”
“My first born my baby,” said McCathern on another post. “I cried when I held you in my arms for the first time. You kept me humble; you kept me grounded. You are my light that will never change, I’ll love you forever until I’m standing up there with you and you’re showing me your new moves you learned in heaven. I got Niyah baby but walk with her through life, visit me in my dreams I love you baby girl.”
The paternal grandmother of the two girls, Lisa Brown, made a Facebook post as well “devastated” by the news, emphasizing how their families’ lives had changed Dec. 8 “never to be the same again.” Brown had a Go-FundMe campaign created to help her and her family during this difficult time.
“Our blended family is devastated, and knowing the road ahead will not be easy for Zaniyah makes it more devastating,” said Brown. “There has been a GoFund-Me started and if you can, please donate. If you can’t, please pray. We feel the love that has been poured out for our family, and we greatly appreciate it all. Much love to each and every one of you for the support in our darkest hour.”
The link to the GoFund-Me is https://gofund.me/ d72fc363. Another GoFund-Me campaign was created by Senaida Barrientos to support the family https:// gofund.me/8344982b. The full details of the accident, including the whereabouts and nature of the incident are still unknown as of press time.
