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EXCLUSIVE: A family continues to search for answers and justice following the heartbreaking loss of a mother and daughter in a tragic 2001 accident in Florida. The head-on collision was caused by an illegal immigrant driving under the influence, who has yet to face any consequences for his actions.
In a series of emotional video interviews conducted by The American Border Story (TABS) and shared exclusively with Fox News Digital, Vickie Schermock Lyon, known as an angel mom, along with her grandchildren, Brieanna and Brandon Schermock, recounted the profound devastation that followed the loss of their beloved Dennielle Nicole ‘Nikki’ Schermock in the crash.
Vickie revealed that the driver of the other vehicle was intoxicated and had taken drugs just before causing the accident in Fort Myers, Florida. He crossed over to the wrong side of the highway, colliding directly with Nikki’s small Honda. In an instant, the 25-year-old Nikki lost her life, while the illegal immigrant survived the crash, sustaining broken legs.
At the time of the accident, her grandchildren were just four years old and 16 months old. They endured life-threatening injuries, with Brandon only suffering abrasions and bruises while Brieanna underwent emergency brain surgery.
Recalling the harrowing day, Vickie stated she hugged Nikki tightly and said goodbye just twenty minutes prior to the accident. When Vickie received the tragic news from her son, she rushed to find her family without knowing what awaited her.
“I didn’t know where I was going or what I was doing. I just took off, knowing that I had to find my kids,” Vickie recalled emotionally.
Upon arriving at the scene, first responders informed Vickie that her grandchildren had already been airlifted to a hospital in Orlando.
In a state of disbelief, Vickie repeatedly asked about Nikki’s whereabouts until a paramedic confirmed her worst fears. Overcome with grief, she said that she “just collapsed” upon hearing the news.
After being escorted to the hospital, Vickie faced the unbearable task of identifying her daughter’s body. “The coroner’s office came, and we had to identify Nikki’s broken body. I had just seen her just twenty minutes before; I could tell you what she had on, and to see her lifeless form, it still haunts me,” she struggled to articulate through tears.
While the illegal immigrant received medical treatment, his family reportedly removed him from the hospital in the middle of the night, disappearing into the shadows. Today, nearly 25 years later, justice remains elusive for the Schermock family, whose anguish is palpable.
Vickie expressed her concerns about the current state of immigration under President Biden’s administration, suggesting that the perpetrator might still reside in the United States. “With the open borders we see today, he’s likely back here somewhere,” she lamented.
In her comments directed towards the Biden administration, Vickie stated, “His administration has blood on their hands for what they have done to us as parents and loved ones. They lack any conscience.”
Despite their grief, the Schermock family has praised the efforts of the prior administration. They appreciated measures taken under former President Donald Trump to enforce stricter immigration policies that they believe could have prevented their tragedy.
Vickie recalled her conversation with Tom Homan, Trump’s Border Czar, who assured her that locating the illegal immigrant responsible for Nikki’s death was a priority. “He promised he would do everything in his power to help. It gave me a sense of hope I had not felt in years,” she said, expressing her gratitude for Homan’s commitment to accountability.
Vickie emphasized that sharing their story, though painful, is essential. “If one more person can understand what’s really happening in this country and why we need to secure our border, then maybe another familywon’t have to endure what we did,” she explained.
Reflecting on their loss, Vickie shared, “Losing Nikki shattered our world. There’s no manual on how to rebuild after such a tragedy. You just wake up and try to survive. I strive to be strong for her children so they know how much she loved them.”
Brieanna, now 27 and preparing for marriage and motherhood, shared her story of resilience, expressing, “Even when they say you can’t, you can. I had a 30 percent chance to live after my accident, and here I am, thriving.”
Nicole Kiprilov, executive director of TABS, highlighted the broader implications of the border crisis on families following recent political events. “We are more determined than ever to illustrate the real effects of this crisis, not just on policy but on families suffering daily due to these failures,” she stated.
Kiprilov lamented the plight of innocent Americans, pointing to the increasing dangers tied to immigration policies shaped by political decisions. “Every time Democrats gain control, we see increasing chaos at the border that results in devastating consequences for residents and families across the nation,” she avowed.
Thus, the Schermock family’s pursuit of justice continues, fueled by a desire to protect future generations from the heartache they have endured. They serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for effective immigration policies that prioritize the safety and security of American citizens.
