Community supports family after mother of five killed by train on Christmas Eve

FERGUSON, Mo. – The community is coming together to support five girls who lost their mother when she was struck by a train on her way home Christmas Eve.

Police identified the victim as 35-year-old Ashley Hogan. She was on her way home from work when she was killed by the train in north county around 3:30 a.m.

Now, the Ferguson Police Department is working with other organizations to assist Hogan’s family.

“They don’t have their mom anymore, so it’s going to be quite a challenge. But, you know, I love my grandchildren very much—and I’m up for the challenge,” Vernadine Hogan, Ashley’s mother, said.

One of Ashley’s high school classmates, Officer Andrae Spraggins, helped organize a donation drive, which has had donations pouring in.

“Ashley was a vibrant person, real fun. She can relate to everybody. The most important thing—her life for her children,” Spraggins said.

The drive-in is collecting clothes, gently used items, and monetary donations.

“It’s huge that the community comes together and puts the arms around this grandmother and these five girls,” Capt. Harry Dilworth said. 

The collection center, located at the Ferguson Police Department, is open through Saturday—with the exception of New Year’s Day—from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Below is a list of the daughters’ ages and sizes for new and gently used items:

• 15 years old
  • Size 6 sneakers (7.5 in women's shoes)
  • Clothing size 5 juniors
  • Tops/blouses size 14
• 12 years old
  • Size 6 sneakers (7.5 in women's shoes)
  • Clothing size 14/16 juniors
  • Small in women's sizes
• 11 years old
  • Size 5 sneakers
  • Clothing size 12 juniors
• 9 years old
  • Size 5 sneakers
  • Clothing size 14 juniors
• 6 years old
  • Size 1Y in shoes
  • Clothing size 6

To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.

"The clothing, the shoes, the funds—I'm speechless," Vernadine said. "It's going to be tough. It's going to be a struggle. I don't have my daughter anymore, and it's a lot of hurt. It's a lot of pain for my grandchildren as well."