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Daughter left in critical condition, other driver receiving treatment
A devastating crash claimed the lives of a Columbus mother and eventually son, with her daughter still in the PICU and the driver of another vehicle left with major injuries after the two cars collided Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 11.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s initial report, Rylee Nicole Schobel, a 29-year-old mother of two, died in the accident while her two children, 10-year-old son Jude Schobel and 7-year-old daughter Lorelei Schobel were rushed to Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital in critical condition, fighting for their lives in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
The driver of the other vehicle, 42-year-old Bobby John Murphy of Needville, was transported to the Columbus Community Hospital initially and relocated to St. David’s Hospital in Austin for treatment.
At approximately 11:46 a.m. that day, a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban SUV, driven by Rylee with both Jude and Lorelei inside, was traveling southbound on FM-109 when Murphy, traveling northbound in a 2008 Ford F-250 pickup, failed to stay in a single lane and collided with the Chevrolet.
Rylee, who was the head zookeeper at Columbus Zoo Texas, was pronounced dead on the scene by Colorado County Justice of the Peace Donald Clark.
Tragically, Jude succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by Dr. Ryan Killbrew at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital just four days later on Saturday, Feb. 15. Lorelei woke up early Friday morning, Feb. 14 after fighting for her life alongside her brother, showing “incredible strength,” and making a “miraculous recovery.”
Columbus man Ryan Schobel, father to Jude and Lorelei and a beertender and cook at Hound Song Brewing Company, mourned the loss of his son in a gut-wrenching Facebook post, remembering him for being the “brightest light on the world,” “always seeing the bright side” and “loving life.”
“He was just like his ol’ man, always helping others, always brightening people’s day with his goofy and polite exterior,” said Ryan in the post. “I love him so much and I know he’s up there dancing with his momma, Rylee Eikenberry and singing karaoke with that beautiful voice of his. He was too young; he didn’t deserve this and we are extremely heartbroken at the unfairness that life can bring in a second without thought. I played him a concert of every one of his favorite songs the day before and I could see tears fall from his eyes as he told all the people he loved goodbye. I’m not okay at all, but I’m staying strong for my little Lorelei who is going strong. It’s what he would’ve wanted.”
At this time, there is no additional information available as the DPS is still investigating the incident.
To donate towards “Ryan and Lorelei’s Healing Journey,” visit https:// www.gofundme.com/f/ donate-to-aid-ryan-and-loreleis- healing-journey?attribution_ id=sl:fa3e8d9f-13f9- 420e- b26b- 8c82b-45 8 f a b1& l a n g = e n _ US& utm_ campaign= fp_ sharesheet& utm_ content= amp10_ t1- amp13_ t1& utm_ medium= customer& utm_ source=copy_link.
