Des Moines car show raises support for family of teen killed in Indianola
By KCCI staff
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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — A car show and benefit Sunday raised nearly $6,500 for the family of Trenton Snodgrass, a 17-year-old killed in a crash in Indianola.
Police said Snodgrass was struck by a vehicle in Indianola on Sept. 27 and died at the scene. The driver was a 15-year-old from Ankeny. The Iowa State Patrol took over the investigation.
Snodgrass was an Indianola High School student who played football, wearing the #59 jersey. His family said he hoped to take over their contracting business, stay on the family farm and build homes there for his sisters. His mother called him “our everything” and said he hugged and kissed her every day, telling her, “I love you most.”
The event at Big Mama’s Flea Market on East 16th Street included auctions, a raffle and a barbecue dinner. Community members donated food, auction and raffle items, and trophies.
The funds are intended to help cover funeral expenses, but use is up to the family’s discretion.
Brad Wheeler, owner of Big Mama’s and Big Boyz Treasures, said people from across the car community donated items, food and trophies for the event.
“There was a tragedy in Indianola, so we stepped up,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler said Snodgrass had attended car shows before. Cadillac Sarah, another organizer, said it was “nice to be able to see everybody come together for the Snodgrasses and for Trenton.”
Sarah said she was inspired to help because a stranger covered funeral expenses when her own daughter, Aleena, died in a tragic incident 14 years ago.
“I feel like no parent should have to pay for their child’s funeral,” she said. “Somebody stepped up and took that burden off of me. I would like to take that burden from them.”
Donations are still being collected at Big Mama’s and Big Boyz Treasures. They can also be sent to the family on this GoFundMe, Meal Train, or through Venmo to @julie-snodgrass-13.
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