Support the Manwarren Family in Recovery After Tragic Loss

On Friday, August 30, twins Mathia Nieves and Justin Manwarren, and their father, Ernest (Ernie) Manwarren, were returning to their home in Emmetsburg, Iowa, after going for a short drive to pick up some baked goods a couple of towns away. With the warm rolls in tow, all three were waiting to enjoy their treat together upon arriving home. As they were traveling westbound on 370th St., mere miles from home, their vehicle was struck on the passenger side by a driver who failed to stop at a stop sign while traveling southbound.

Their vehicle, driven by Mathia, rolled several times across traffic before coming to a stop. Ernie was in the backseat and was pronounced dead on the scene. Justin was Life Flighted to Avera Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Mathia was Life Flighted to Mercy One in Mason City, Iowa.

Not only are the twins (Justin and Mathia) now recovering in hospitals hours apart from their injuries and facing surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation, but their mother (Diane) is continuing to battle recurring lung cancer. At the time of this post (9/1), Diane has been admitted to the hospital for low potassium. She will be monitored overnight.

Between the unimaginable level of emotional burden the family is now facing upon the loss of an incredibly selfless husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend (to name a few), they have been unable to fully grieve due to the amount of uncertainty as the twins begin their recovery.

As Megan (sister of Justin and Mathia, daughter of Ernie) shoulders the weight of being a shoulder to lean on, while also trying to cope with the grief, there are several burdens that the community can lift.

Beyond the medical costs currently accumulating between Justin and Mathia, and now Diane, there are also funeral costs for Ernie, loss of income, daily bills, and the cost of living to consider for all members of the family (including Mathia’s husband and children, and Megan’s husband and children).

There are no words to express the amount of sadness surrounding this tragic accident. To allow the family to continue to support the twins and to grieve the loss of Ernie, we can only pray and give what we are able.

Funds donated will help cover medical bills, funeral arrangements, daily expenses, travel and accommodation costs, and other miscellaneous costs as they arise during this time of uncertainty.

All funds will be directed to Megan Moon to allocate as appropriate.