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87: Losing Three Children in a Drunk Driving Crash with The Simmons 3

Beyond the Monsters

94,305 views

Dawn Simmons and her daughter Katie DeRouen share the unimaginable story of losing Dawn's three children, Lindy, Christopher, and Kamryn, in a head-on crash caused by a drunk driver going the wrong way on the interstate just days before Christmas. Dawn survived the collision with life-threatening injuries, while Lindy, Christopher, and Kamryn were killed, forever changing the lives of everyone who loved them. Together, they recount the devastating hours that followed, the trauma of identifying their loved ones, and the reality of navigating grief after losing multiple children in a single night.

Dawn and Katie talk about traumatic loss, surviving the unthinkable, grief after child loss, survivor's guilt, faith, healing, and finding purpose through tragedy. They share how their family's heartbreak led to the creation of The Simmons Three, a nonprofit dedicated to educating students about impaired driving, decision-making, and the lasting consequences of a single choice. Their story is one of profound loss, resilience, hope, and honoring the legacy of Lindy, Christopher, and Kamryn by helping save lives.

Katie and Dawn’s Links:
Instagram: katiederouen
TikTok: katiederouen1
https://bio.site/Katiederouen1

The Simmons 3:
https://www.simmons3.com
Instagram: simmons3inc

Support their mission:
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/...

Beyond the Monsters Socials:
Instagram: beyondthemonsters
https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters

Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.

Topic: Child Loss, Drunk Driving, Survivor's Guilt, Grief Journey, Impaired Driving, Traumatic Loss

20 Comments

@juliaadams1305 3 months ago

Lindy, Christopher, and Kamryn are resting in complete paradise, but their Momma gave them paradise on earth when they were here
❤️❤️❤️

@loveylove337 2 months ago

Every drunk driver should watch this. Every word of this mother & daughter was brutal to hear! They have my entire heart ❤

@brattrox2939 3 months ago

When she said "wearing the car" and her "little head" It made me feel claustrophobic and heartbroken all at the same time

@sabrina_thewitch94 3 months ago

I’ve heard this family’s story so many times over the years but it makes me cry every single time I hear it. It’s just so, so awful. 😢

@thagoat4759 3 months ago

imagine going through all of this & having all these different emotions and you have to keep driving to different cities & areas to find your dead loved ones. everytime i hear this story i feel so sick

@lhollyrivera3408 1 month ago

This is so heartbreaking i cant imagine the energy it takes to grieve a child let alone 3 at once. Oh my. God bless these people

@Bootisticspazm333 2 months ago

My daughter was killed when we were struck by a drunk driver leaving a family members house Christmas night 2009. I kept her on life support almost a full year before I realized she wasn’t coming back.

@bluthefrenchi 3 months ago

I downloaded this one to watch on a business flight and turned into the grown man crying in his seat, wiping tears while the family next to me watched. Dawn and Katie shared Lindy, Christopher, and Kamryn with so much grace and love. Beautifully told, beautifully done. Keep sharing this story. Those three kids will live in our hearts forever. Thank you for having such amazing guests.❤

@tammydaniels170 3 months ago

Mrs Simmons my Mother had me at 42. She lost two sons 10 years apart Nevels in single vehicle car accident in 1969. Bobby in 1979 single motorcycle accident. I was with her both times when she received the news I will never forget the agony and the cries that came from her until the day I die. I am so sorry for triple loss of your beautiful babies.

@TownGirl04 1 month ago

The love these two girls have, is what keeps them going. ❤

@2000laura 3 months ago

This mother daughter duo is adorable together, and their accents are so sweet. I pray God continues to lay His hands on them all day everyday to bless their bodies and lives. I’m so sorry for this tragedy but know the lives lost were precious and meaningful.

@ebonylynch-thomas5635 2 months ago

I really like the daughter who stepped up to take care of everything. She loves her momma so much. You are a strong woman. My heart goes out to your entire family. Keep doing what you're doing. God Bless!

@rfrczk5533 3 months ago

the way mama remembers the exact moment her babies were pronounced, and the exact moments they were removed from the car :( the literal minutes. that poor mom must have read the accident reports uncountable times

@thomasbaker3262 2 months ago

Every mass casualty scene should have one team in charge of getting which places ambulances go to to prevent this type of confusion. Rest easy😢

@rescueherohoney 3 months ago

Every time I hear this mom and daughter speak, it breaks my heart. My husband has 42 years of first responder service and I can tell you that he never forgets his trauma patients. The firefighters and medics that were with those kids gave 100% to comforting them and trying to stabilize them. My husband always takes it hard when his patients are in pain. He does everything he can to lessen their pain and assure them. I have to remind him often that whether his patients stay here on earth is not up to him. God gave him the skills to lessen their pain. He ultimately decides who stays and who goes. The continued education required of these first responders who amaze you. My husband studies all the time.

@MayJen-sx2lh 1 month ago (edited)

I’m from Germany, and I think about Lindy, Christopher, and Kamryn every single day. I’ve told all my friends about your family. I’m pretty sure I’ve watched every one of your videos two or three times already.

The kids are on my mind so often, and so are all of you. It almost feels like I know the Simmons personally. I can’t even begin to imagine how immense your loss and your pain truly are.

To me, Dawn is the very definition of unconditional love. Every video I watch brings me a little closer to God because of her.

And Katie is the strongest warrior I have ever seen. She stands like a wall in front of her mother, behind her, and beside her—always.

That is the definition of a real family to me. ✨❤️

@meandboqq 3 months ago

the strength of this mother wow

@Mrs.Hotcakes 3 months ago (edited)

I've followed the Simmons since the accident happened. They are such a strong & faithful family. They turned their tragedy and used it for goodness by bringing awareness. May God bless this beautiful family ❤

@jglizzy-r7m 3 months ago

We moved to Louisiana last week and I drove by this exact exit and their memorial. I knew they were special before I knew the story behind the three crosses on the side of the road. This family is so beautiful!

@kayw5562 9 days ago

Every time i hear this mother talk about her children I cry, this is the saddest story that I ever heard. These beautiful children, just snatched away. God please bless this family! Praying for them! so sad...😪😪