BOISE, Idaho — Loved ones continue grieving the beloved Nampa family that died in a train crash near Notus Saturday morning.
The coroner identified the victims as Benjamin Maupin, 35-year-old Kapri Maupin, and their two children, 17-year-old Kayden Maupin and 11-year-old Ryder Maupin, earlier this week.
"I just started screaming and crying," Benjamin's aunt Sylvia Bahem said. "And I said, all four of them, Clark? Please don't tell me all four of them are gone. And he said, 'Yes, they are. They're all gone.'
Kapri's friend Erin Olson was also in disbelief when she heard the news.
"You just kind of got that sense that it just wasn't real," she said, "and then the heartbreak sets in."
Idaho State Police said the family was traveling in a Chevrolet Silverado on a private road that intersects with a railroad crossing in Canyon County. Benjamin Maupin, who was driving, failed to yield, and the truck was hit by an oncoming train.
All four people in the vehicle died at the scene of the crash, according to ISP.
"Some people have said it was just inattention," Bahem said. "Maybe he was talking to his wife or the kids or something. I don't know, and we'll probably never know."
Canyon County Coroner Jennifer Crawford said the family's untimely passing cast a somber shadow over the region, and the event serves as a "stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and exercising caution when navigating railway crossings."
"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking loss," she said in a news release.
The Maupin family owned the Mint Barrel Barn Event Center, a popular wedding venue in Canyon County. Olson, who is an event planner, used the center.
She said the couple bought it from family members and revamped it into a "tranquil" property.
"[Kapri] was one of those people that you just knew that if she said she was going to do it, she would. And Ben and her staff and her team would be there no matter what," Olson said.
Here's a statement from a Mint Barrel Barn employee:
It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of Ben and Kapri Maupin, owners of the Mint Barrel Barn, and their two beautiful children, Kayden and Ryder Maupin. After many years of planning, renovations, and hard work, together, they made the barn what it is today. Our hearts are forever broken and we will never be the same, but we will be continuing with all scheduled events, tours, and future events, just as Kapri and her family would want.
My name is Reina, and I was blessed to be able to work beside Kapri for close to two years, although it feels like I've known her for a lifetime. I will be taking over the operations of the venue, and am so honored to be able to do so for my sweet friend and her family. I have some pretty big shoes to fill, but I will do my absolute best to make Kapri proud.
The family's celebration of life is this weekend. A family member told KTVB via Facebook that in lieu of flowers, they want people to donate to Outfitters for Hope, Ada County Sheriff K9 Unit c/o Kevin Lowry or their favorite animal shelter.
"Everybody that I've talked to, the overwhelming consensus is that they are going to be missed beyond measure," Olson said.
ISP is investigating the crash. The coroner said additional details will be released as they become available.
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