One Crash with Two Cars Totaled from the Same Family

Photo by: Sophie Nedens

Sophie’s Chevy Tahoe after the crash.

Lindsey Jones, Student of Journalism

Not many people can say they’ve had a near-death experience, but Sophie Nedens can.

It’s a perfect spring day in 2021.

Sophie is a sophomore at Neenah High School and is a new driver. 

Sophie drives home from a hiking excursion with friends. She views the world from a brand-new windshield, recently replaced. 

It’s like deja vu driving along the street before her neighborhood for the umpteenth time. 

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Sophie’s dad’s big black brand new truck emerges. 

Her dad blows the stop sign on the street intersecting hers.

His truck continuously gets closer and closer.

“ …And then I think, ‘oh crap’. I’m going to hit him.”

A million thoughts are in Sophie’s mind as she freezes and prepares for the impact milliseconds away.

“ I remember thinking I wasn’t even scared when it happened. I just thought there’s no way I can die from this; it’s impossible.”

The Tahoe jolts and airbags explode into Sophie. Simultaneously both her dad’s truck and her Tahoe launch into the nearby ditch.

For a moment Sophie blacks out, but she gains consciousness and is determined to leave the Tahoe as she’s scared it might start on fire like in the movies.

As she struggles to open the door her father comes to the rescue and manages to rip the door open.

Mr. Nedens realizes he has crashed into his own daughter.

The crash leaves both the Neden’s cars totaled.

Luckily, both Sophie and her dad are left with minor injuries — but major regrets.

A crack in the Tahoes windshield is the least of their worries. 

There is high tension in the Nedens household for the following days.

The Needens family will forever remember the life-threatening crash — one decision causes a number of outcomes.