Trussville 6-year-old dies from injuries suffered in car wreck

By Scott Buttram, publisher

TRUSSVILLE –Maggie Bowles, 6, of Trussville, has died from injuries suffered in a car wreck on Saturday, her aunt Leigh Stovall confirmed to the Tribune. Stovall is the sister of Maggie Bowles’ mother, Kelly Bowles.

Maggie Bowles.
Photo via Kelly Bowles Facebook

Shawn Bowles, along with his daughter Maggie, were traveling on Happy Hollow Road when they slowed down to turn into a driveway and were struck from behind, according to Stovall.

“There were three vehicles involved in the wreck,” Trussville Fire and Rescue chief Tim Shotts said. “It occurred just after 2 p.m. on Saturday near the intersection of Happy Hollow Road and Riverbend. One vehicle was struck from behind. We transported the little girl in that vehicle and she was critical at the time.”

The collision left Maggie Bowles unconscious as personnel from TFRD arrived to render aid.

Maggie had been in the intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital of Alabama since the wreck. Tests given in the last two days showed no brain activity, the family shared on the Facebook group Miracle for Maggie.

“Maggie has received exceptional care from Hillary, Addie, James, Rhiannon and Clare,” Stovall said on behalf of Kelly and Shawn Bowles. “Dr. Youngblood has been with us every step of the way. Her compassion and care has gone above and beyond our expectation of a pediatrician. We could not have weathered this storm without her.”

Kelly and Shawn Bowles have repeatedly expressed their appreciation for the support in the Trussville community and from across the country. Over 18,000 people joined the Facebook group to show their support of Maggie and offer prayers and encouragement to the family. On Monday, hundreds gathered for a candlelight prayer vigil.

“We know that many will want to give,” Stovall said. “In lieu of flowers, please send your donations in memory of Maggie to Forward in Faith Ranch. There is a PayPal donation link at bottom of page. Or mail donations to Trussville Girls Softball Association – TGSA P.O. Box 525, Trussville, AL 35173.”

Related: A Go Fund Me Campaign has been set up for the family.

During he last week, the support for the Bowles family grew daily with messages arriving from around the United States. The family kept people informed with daily updates in the Facebook group.

“There once was a strong and sassy girl,” Stoval posted Friday morning. “She was not afraid to meet you and talk, laugh and cry, joke and learn. Her light was bright. So bright that her light shone across the world.

“The events that unfolded around her touched people and mobilized the body of Christ. They cried and prayed. Her story made people talk and hug. These events reminded everyone how fragile and precious life is. People loved more and found it easier to be honest and vulnerable in a world that expects you to be perfect and without fault or trouble.

“The body of Christ found unity around her story and renewed strength in the Lord God.

“She could love because she was so deeply loved. Her love will continue making a difference — through her donations and the miracles of modern medicine, many children she didn’t even know will experience a more abundant life — and she lives on.

“She was fierce and we will be fierce as we tell her story.”