Car accident costs Huger, who cannot speak and is blind, her life

BONNEAU, SC (WCSC) – A tragic car crash near Bonneau last month claimed the life of a blind and non-speaking woman, and her family hopes her life will be remembered forever by sharing her story.

Tonya Frey from Huger died in an accident just one day after her 28th birthday.

“When she came into our lives, she gave us a lot of hope and meaning that has now been taken away from us,” said her brother and caregiver Charles Gardner.

The July 26 crash on Highway 52 involved two cars. Frey and her former caregiver were in one when another vehicle crossed in the other direction. According to the accident report, the second vehicle struck her car.

“I was lucky that I made it to the hospital in time for her to hear my voice,” Gardner said. “The nurse even said that was the first time she calmed down, not knowing that that would be the last time I spoke to her.”

Frey suffered from a genetic disorder called Cornelia de Lange syndrome throughout her life and was therefore dependent on the round-the-clock help of her brother and his wife, who have cared for her for the past seven years.

Before Gardner's mother adopted her at the age of six, Frey was abused so severely at a young age that she became blind and speechless.

“She never spoke a word, and honestly, everyone who met her always left with something in their heart,” Gardner said. “She was only four feet tall, she was blind and didn't speak, but she had such a strong presence, it was like she ruled the world.”

Since her life expectancy was already shortened and she had to overcome many hurdles in life, the last thing her family expected was that a car accident would lead to her sudden death.

“When she died, I said this is not right, this is not fair. She should be taken away because of her CDLS, and then she should be absolved of such irresponsibility,” Gardner said.

The investigation into the crash that killed Frey is ongoing, and no charges have been filed, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

“People need to understand that the vehicles we drive are weapons,” her brother said. “If you don't have the decency or self-respect to watch what you're doing, you're going to lose lives.”

Frey's family will hold a memorial ceremony in Mount Pleasant this fall.

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