Leo Shepherd and Anneka Wilson died following a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver under the influence of alcohol, according to an October 15 report from Zero Fatalities. The accident occurred while the pair was traveling on a freeway toward Idaho to visit extended family.
Leo Shepherd, born April 23, 2007, was the youngest of six children. He was described as a gentle giant standing 6 feet 4 inches tall. Shepherd lived on a sheep farm and spent much of his life working at the family store, Shep’s Grill, as well as on the farm. His siblings include Sarah, Jessica, Shantell, Samantha, and RJ.
Shepherd was a person who enjoyed many outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, and hunting. He was known to enjoy coyote, goose, and duck hunting with his father and brother, and he had shot his first deer one month before the accident. He was also a fan of the Seattle Seahawks football team and enjoyed listening to country music.
Anneka Wilson was the partner of Shepherd, and the two had been dating throughout high school. The family noted that the couple had spent Thanksgiving Day together before departing for Idaho the following day. Shepherd had reportedly worked to earn the approval of Wilson's father to become a permanent part of the family.
The Shepherd family expressed their grief in the report, noting that Shepherd had many dreams and plans for the future. They shared that the incident has changed the lives of everyone who loved them. The family issued a plea for others to avoid driving while impaired to prevent similar tragedies.
Shepherd is survived by his family and 11 nieces and nephews who continue to remember him.
