On March 23rd, our family’s world shattered. Kasey Grelle was killed in a tragic accident while vacationing with her family in Nicaragua. She was 41 years old. Her son Julian, just 11, was critically injured, life flighted to St. Louis Children’s hospital and now faces a long road towards recovery. Kasey leaves behind her husband Dave and three young children: Julian (11), Kit (9), and Des (6).
Who Kasey Was
Kasey was a force — brilliant, driven, and passionate, with an uncanny ability to connect deeply with everyone she met. She founded Aux Insights, an international marketing consulting company, and served as CEO. But nothing made her prouder than being a mom. She was also the family’s rock. In 2016, Dave was struck by a car as a pedestrian and nearly died. Kasey spent sleepless nights at his bedside — as his wife, caregiver, and advocate — all while nine months pregnant. After his recovery, she became the family’s primary provider while Dave continued to heal from chronic pain. Kasey carried her family through that crisis. Now she’s gone, and they have to carry on without her.
Where Things Stand
Julian is recovering in the ICU with head trauma, skull fractures and spine fractures, and a collapsed lung. True to form, he’s been cracking jokes with friends, watching the Cardinals, and tracking his March Madness bracket from his hospital bed. He’s his mother’s son — tough and brave. Kit and Des are home with family, making bracelets and drawings for their big brother, trying to make sense of a world that’s suddenly very different. Dave is holding everything together while his heart is broken.
How You Can Help
Following Dave’s accident, Kasey became the breadwinner. With her gone, the family faces not only devastating grief but real financial challenges:
- Julian’s ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
- Medical evacuation costs from Nicaragua
- Funeral expenses
- Daily living costs for a family that has lost its primary income
- Counseling and long-term support for three children who lost their mom
Our Ask
Kasey spent her life showing up for others. She would have been the first to set up a GoFundMe for someone else and rally everyone she knew. Now it’s our turn. If you can give, please give. If you can’t, please share. Every dollar and every share tells this family: you are not alone. For Kasey. For Dave. For Julian, Kit, and Des. Thank you for being part of Team Grelle.
About the organizer: My name is Juliana Rodas. I worked for the Grelle family for 6+years and they quickly became family away from family. I am setting up this fund for David Grelle and his kids to help cover medical expenses and future education.