Lets Help Kristen and Her Boys On This Tragic Loss

On Feb 15, 2025 at 7:30 pm our dear friend Kristen Townsend lost her significant other and the father of her two boys, Zack and Mack McLaughlin, to a tragic automobile accident. The Kansas State Highway Patrol in Reno County arrived at the accident to find that Marty McLaughlin had passed away at the scene.

Marty was visiting friends in Kansas with the family's 5 dogs and upon returning to Michigan he was hit head on by a semi truck that crossed the median into his lane. Marty's truck suffered significant damage, caught fire, and he and 2 of the dogs did not survive. Kristen will be working with Redemption Animal Rescue out of Kansas to arrange the return of the 3 living dogs. The semi truck driver suffered minor injuries and was treated and released at the local ER.

Marty was always involved in his boys life. They were his passion and his love. He started Mack and Zack playing hockey when they were little. He helped coach, attended many games and practices, and encouraged the boys to have their respective teams and friends over to play pond hockey behind the house.

Not only did Marty enjoy hockey but he also loved the outdoors. He mentored his boys, sharing his passion of fishing and hunting with them, so that they grew to love it as well hunting and fishing side by side with their dad. This tragic loss of their father will be a huge absence in their life.

Kristen is now left with the financial weight of addressing all the immediate needs in the wake of this tragedy, as well as providing for her family going forward. We, her friends, neighbors and hockey community can help ease the financial burden toward everyday expenses, unexpected costs, and anything else that will ease this stressful time.

If you are able to donate, please know that any amount will make a huge difference for this family. If you are unable to donate please share this gofundme and please pray for Kristen and her boys.

Celebration of life arrangements will be made at a later date.

Thank you for your love, support and generosity. Lets come together and keep lifting Kristen and her boys so they can all move forward.

Love,

Amber Proctor and Yola Johnson