Jenner community raising money for family after deaths of two children

Jenner residents are raising money to support the family of two young sisters who died Tuesday in a vehicle crash into the Russian River.

Kaitlyn and Hailey Markus, ages 6 and 4, died Tuesday in the morning crash, which occurred just south of town.

Their mother, Sarah Markus, escaped as the pickup sank, but she and others - including bystanders and first responders who dove into the water to help - could not get to the trapped children in time.

The girls are also survived by their father, Josh Markus, who was not in the vehicle when it crashed.

Jenner Community Club president Cal Ares said the group is earmarking a special fund for the family through Westamerica Bank. Donations can be made through the bank to the “Jenner Community Club” with a memo “The Markus family.”

The girls' grandmother, Elizabeth Gallagher, said they are devastated. She said her family is moved by the community's support for their family and that any extra donations will be given to a local charity.

Gallagher said they are asking a local fisherman cabinet maker to construct handmade caskets. They are planning a burial at Bodega‘s Calvary Cemetery.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Johnson at 707-521-5220 or julie.johnson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @jjpressdem.