Updated September 1, 2026, https://gofund.me/8d29a579b
OTWELL, Indiana — Oaklie Disney, an 8-year-old Girl Scout and student at Otwell Miller Academy, is recovering after being seriously injured in a fatal crash in Pike County, Indiana, on Saturday evening, August 29, 2026.
Oaklie was among the children traveling in a Toyota Sienna when it was struck during a police pursuit on State Road 64 near County Road 1000 East. The vehicle was carrying a group returning from a Girl Scout trip to Holiday World, according to family information reported by 14 News.
The collision killed 41-year-old Amanda Wertman, who was driving the Sienna, her 8-year-old daughter Michaela, and the driver of the other vehicle, according to Indiana State Police. Three children survived the crash and were hospitalized.
Oaklie Disney’s condition
Oaklie was flown to a children’s hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, following the crash.
According to a fundraiser organized by family and friends, Oaklie suffered two brain bleeds and remains under medical care. The fundraiser states that her parents, Christian and Elizabeth Disney, have remained by her side during her treatment. A subsequent update from the family said Oaklie had made some progress while continuing to face challenges in her recovery.
Her mother, Elizabeth Disney, told 14 News that Oaklie’s injuries are significant and that she could remain hospitalized for some time.
Because Oaklie is a child receiving treatment for serious injuries, further medical details should be treated as family-provided information unless confirmed by her medical team or another authoritative source.
Otwell Miller Academy rallies around Oaklie
Oaklie’s school community quickly organized a show of support after learning about the crash.
On Monday, August 31, students and teachers at Otwell Miller Academy wore blue, Oaklie’s favorite color. Students also made homemade cards for her while she remained hospitalized.
School director Star Riker told 14 News that Oaklie is well known within the school community for her personality. Riker also said Oaklie’s parents are active volunteers at the school, adding to the community’s desire to support the family during her recovery.
The gesture gave classmates and teachers an opportunity to show Oaklie that her school community was thinking about her while she received treatment.
Fundraiser supports Oaklie and her family
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Jordynn Neese and Elizabeth Disney was established to help Oaklie’s family manage expenses associated with her hospitalization.
The fundraiser says donations are intended to assist with medical bills, travel, lodging and lost income while Oaklie’s parents remain with her during treatment. The fundraiser also states that Oaklie’s father, Christian, has been staying with her while she receives care.
The fundraiser should be regarded as a family-supported source for Oaklie’s medical and financial circumstances. Donation information can change, so readers who wish to contribute should verify the organizer and current details directly on the fundraising page.
What happened in the Pike County crash?
Indiana State Police said the deadly collision followed a police response to a domestic violence incident.
According to police, a man believed to be involved in the incident left a gas station, ran another driver off the road and nearly struck a deputy’s vehicle. The deputy then pursued the vehicle.
Police said the vehicle later crossed the center line on State Road 64 and collided head-on with the Toyota Sienna driven by Amanda Wertman. The crash remains under investigation.
The driver of the other vehicle died in the collision. Police had not released his name in the latest reporting reviewed for this article.
Remembering the children affected
Oaklie’s recovery is unfolding alongside the grief surrounding the deaths of Amanda Wertman and her daughter Michaela.
The crash also left other children hospitalized. Their families have received support from members of the Pike County community as medical treatment continues.
For Oaklie’s classmates, the blue clothing and handmade cards provided a simple way to show that she remains part of their school community during a difficult period.
Investigation remains ongoing
Indiana State Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigators are examining the events leading to the pursuit and the collision on State Road 64.
As the investigation develops, additional information about the crash may be released by authorities.
This article was updated September 1, 2026, to reflect the latest available information about Oaklie Disney’s recovery, the community’s response and the police investigation.