The Bargabus family was shattered when their 6-year-old daughter and sister, Sandra, was struck and killed by a motorist on Highway 61 on July 3, 1970. She is buried at St. John’s Cemetery in Grand Marais and lives on in the memory of friends and family. Her sister Sue Koons urges kids to use caution crossing roads and motorists to pay attention while driving.
In the July 9, 1970 issue of the Cook County News-Herald, there is one of the saddest stories the paper has ever run. There is a report that Sandra Bargabus, just 6 years old, had been fatally injured in a car accident on July 3. Sandra was crossing Highway 61 in front of the motel owned by her parents, what was then the Moe-Del Motel, in Colvill when she was struck and killed by a passing car.
Sandra’s sister, Sue Bargabus Koons, a 1980 graduate of Cook County High School, now lives in Seguin, Texas. That day is forever, tragically etched in her memory.
On July 3, 2012, Koons made the following entry on Facebook. “42 years ago today, my younger sister, Sandy, died after being struck by a speeding car as she and I crossed the highway on our way to the lake to play on the beach. As so many people head to their vacation getaways this holiday, please be careful crossing the roads! Pay attention and look both ways several times. I’m speaking to both pedestrians and those driving. Be aware and stay safe!”
Although the accident occurred outside of school, it is a heartbreaking reminder for motorists to be alert and to watch for children at all times, especially as excited kids are returning to school.
Asked if she wanted to share her caution to pedestrians and drivers with News-Herald readers, Koons said absolutely. “I would do anything to stress the importance of crossing roads carefully and driver’s awareness,” she said.
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