Dear Editor: A Heartfelt Thank You to the Whitehall Community

Dear Editor,

Three weeks ago, I received a dreaded phone call late at night from Whitehall Emergency Services; our sixteen-year-old son was involved in a serious vehicle crash. Today, my wife, Cori, and I write to express our deepest gratitude to the Whitehall community for your overwhelming support during this trying time.

On October 26, our son made a mistake that many experienced drivers have made before, including myself. While driving, I have momentarily removed my seatbelt to reach for something while driving, knowing full well the danger of such an action but doing it anyway in the name of expediency. Unfortunately, while trying to reach for a water bottle, our son removed his seatbelt when a deer appeared in the road. He swerved to miss it and rolled his pickup. Our boy was ejected from the vehicle, resulting in severe injuries, including several broken vertebrae. Thankfully, as of today, he is on the road to recovery, supported by our community’s patience, love, and prayers. He was very lucky, but the overwhelming support of this community has contributed to his progressing recovery.

We owe a special thank you to the EMS team, whose prompt response ensured our son received the essential care he needed quickly. Their professionalism and care were instrumental in those critical minutes immediately following the crash. They, along with God’s hand of protection, spared our family from an unimaginable loss, turning a potentially tragic moment into a stark wake-up call.

Despite our protests, the community of Whitehall insisted on doing anything they could to help our family. We are immensely thankful for the meals, visits, messages, emails, and calls that have buoyed our spirits and strengthened our resolve. Your kindness has been a constant reminder of the compassionate and supportive community of which we are so fortunate to be part.

This incident has also been a powerful reminder of the responsibility we hold as drivers. I am compelled to urge all parents to reflect on their driving habits and the examples we set for our children. I know I could have done a better job, and I am resolved to do so. I invite all parents to join me in committing to reinforcing safe driving practices—always wear a seatbelt, adhere to traffic rules, minimize distractions, and, of course, don’t swerve—hit the deer!

To those parents who’ve experienced a late-night call about an accident, you know the dread such a moment brings. Those who haven’t count your blessings, but also recognize the role your guidance has played in safeguarding your children.

Choosing to make Whitehall our home seven years ago was one of the best decisions our family has made. The outpouring of support has not only been comforting but has also revealed the true character of this incredible community. Writing this letter to the editor seemed wholly inadequate to express the depth of our gratitude to everyone who has stood by us, but it is a start.

Thank you, Whitehall, for everything. Your support makes the Koenig family strive to be the best versions of ourselves and to live in a state of constant gratitude to call Whitehall our home. In our time of need, you were there without hesitation or limit. We are truly blessed to be a part of this community.

Thank you, and God bless.

The Koenig Family

Whitehall, Montana