Colorado Mom Stranded In Snow Storm Faces Child Abuse Charges

A tragic story out of Moffat County has taken another sad turn.

Stranded In Snow On An Isolated Road

In March, we reported the story of a mother in Moffat County whose abandoned vehicle was found stuck in mud and snow on an isolated County Road. Rescuers found 36-year-old Kaylee Messerly and her two young daughters about a mile from the vehicle. Messerly and her 3-year-old daughter were found alive, but, sadly, her 18-month old baby did not survive the cold.

Messerly and her surviving daughter were taken to Memorial Regional Health in Craig before the 3-year old was flown to Children's Hospital in Aurora. Both were suffering from environmental exposure injuries. According to one Facebook post, an autopsy determined the death of the 18-month old was accidental.

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Charges Filed Against the Mother

Following an investigation, the Moffat County Sheriff's Office arrested Kaylee Messerly who is now facing felony charges. Messerly was charged with Child Abuse Resulting in Death and Child Abuse Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

The Craig Daily Press reports Messerly tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamines, and THC when she was being treated for frostbite. The 3-year-old reportedly suffered extreme frostbite resulting in the amputation of her feet.

Messerly was released from the Moffat County Jail on Friday and is due back in court on April 15.

A Tragic Story

The story is tragic and heartbreaking on so many levels. There is the death of the baby, the extreme injuries of the 3-year-old, and a mother dealing with the loss of a child and now facing felony charges. A series of bad choices and decisions are leading to lifelong consequences that are impacting so many people in this western Colorado family.

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