BECKER -- Orange, blue and pink balloons filled the sky today (Thursday) in Becker. Family, friends and community gathered at Becker City Park for a balloon release to mourn the lives of a father and daughter killed in a car crash one year ago.

Chuck and Cassy Maurer of Becker were killed in a distracted driving crash last July.

The orange and blue balloons represented Chuck and Cassy's love for the Denver Broncos and pink was Cassy's favorite color.

Family member, Rhonda Maurer says after struggling with depression after losing Chuck and Cassy, she searched for a way to make a change that would give her hope. 

"The loss broke me in more ways than most of you know, I received some professional counseling to help find my way out of the dark hole I found myself in, then the day came that I decided I needed to do something, I needed to make chance, I needed to fight and be the voice for Chuck and Cassy and all the others who lost their lives to this growing epidemic," says Rhonda Maurer.

Maurer has since started the organization Minnesotans Fighting Distracted Driving. The group's goal is to raise awareness and is currently working with the Minnesota legislature to get stricter distracted driving laws set in place.

Maurer says the phone call, text or email is not worth the risk, put your phone away and reply later.

If you would like to donate to MNFDD visit their website by clicking here. 

Chrissy Gaetke, WJON
Chrissy Gaetke, WJON
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