Police in Wolcottville, Indiana, discovered the bodies of Rebecca Hughes, 32, and her three daughters—Evalynn, 8, Allison, 6, and Amelia, 5—on September 17, after responding to a welfare check at their home. The investigation, now led by the Indiana State Police, has not yet revealed the cause of death, with autopsy results pending. Authorities have reassured the public that there is no immediate threat.

Jonathan Newell, the father of the girls, opened up about the devastating loss. He described his disbelief upon hearing the news, initially brushing off concerns from his mother. “Don’t worry, she’s fine, the kids are fine,” Jonathan told her, only to find out later that his daughters were gone. He explained, “Sometimes you’re mad. Sometimes you’re sad. Other times you’re so dissociated you don’t even feel like you’re there.”

The community has rallied around Jonathan, raising over $45,000 through a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.

“This is really the last thing I get to do for them,” Jonathan said, moved by the outpouring of support from people he didn’t even know.

As the community mourns, Jonathan has chosen to use the tragedy to raise awareness about mental health, urging parents to seek help when needed. “If you are a parent and you have kids, and you need help, then get it,” he pleaded in an interview, hoping to prevent similar losses in the future.