Young family shattered by tragedy

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Candy and J.W. Wright are pictured with their two children Jeremy, left, and Danielle.

A local family’s move to Florida took a tragic turn last week when a mother of two was killed in a head-on accident.

The victim, Candy Wright, 31, was killed instantly in the head-on crash in Polk City, Fla., on May 23 as she was returning home from work.

According to family friend, Audrey Marino, who lives locally, the family had moved to Florida from Warren County five weeks before the tragedy. Prior to that time, the Wrights lived in Warren County for two years. The victim’s husband, John (J.W.) Wright, worked at Calsonic.

With the sudden passing of the young mother, Marino has started a fund-raising campaign to help the family.

Marino said friends have already raised and sent the $1,100 needed for funeral expenses and have now set up an account to help the family return to Warren County. The Wrights have two young children, Jeremy, who is 6-months old, and Danielle, who is almost 2.

“You’d never meet a sweeter couple than them,” Marino said. “We’re all heartbroken by what happened.”

Marino said she would like to raise money for moving expenses back to Warren County for the family along with funds to help them get another start here following their tragedy. She believes Mr. Wright will be able to receive more support here in this community.

“I know McMinnville is a giving place,” Marino said.

A trust fund has been set up for the Wright family at Union Planter’s Bank. Anyone wishing to make a contribution may request it be placed in the Wright family fund.