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Help A Hero has created a memorial fund for the loved ones of a young Disney Cast Member and her father who lost their lives when a drunk driver struck their car.
Credit: NBC Palm Springs
It’s a horrible story to have to share for a community typically surrounded by the joy and magic that Disney can add to our lives. One such magic maker tragically lost her life in a reckless and preventable accident just a short time after starting a position at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.
The drunk driver, Moreno Valley resident Scott Bales, fatally struck the car of Hannah Jacks and her father Daniel while under the influence of alcohol on Sunday night in Palm Springs. Bales remains in the hospital for injuries sustained in the crash but will face charges such as DUI murder for the crime.
The head-on collision instantly ended the lives of both the 19-year-old Disney Cast Member and her 45-year-old father, who was a Riverside County Sheriff’s correctional deputy.
Credit: NBC Palm Springs
The memorial fund’s description gives more insight into the impact Daniel and Hannah had on their community while alive:
The night sky has gotten a bit brighter. Daniel and Hannah were quite the team. Silly faces and countless laughs, the relationship as father and daughter was immeasurable. Daniel’s pride in all Hannah did was known and felt by all.
Daniel, 45, was part of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department since 2008. His love for his family was evident to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. All of his son’s soccer games, every recital Hannah danced in, Daniel was there no questions asked. Taking selfies with the dog next door, to send to their owners, just because he knew it would get a good laugh. That was the kind of fun he would have because-well why not.
Hannah, 19, dancer, performer, and full of life instructor. She knew what she wanted and she was making it happen. Dancing and performing since the age of two, Hannah was a force for the Arts. Headlining in several shows, she had that passion and desire that radiated in all she did. Her most recent dream that she made come true was to be a performer at Disneyland.
The loss of these two beautiful people has left a huge void in so many hearts. The world was better to have known them. Father and daughter together for eternity. Her daddy never left her side… Daniel and Hannah leave behind a son and brother, Brent, 16, and a wife and mother, Denay. They will be missed and loved always.
Credit: NBC Palm Springs
Hannah had recently begun performing for Disneyland Entertainment. One of her last roles was in Disneyland’s A Christmas Fantasy Parade. A photo posted to Instagram by @photosfromdisneyland captures the beautiful moment.
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Hannah seemed to truly embody Disney magic at the Disney Parks and honor the true spirit and values of a Cast Member adding joy to Guests’ day. The memorial fund has not yet reached its goal of $50,000 to help cover funeral expenses and support their family’s grieving process.
To the family, friends, and loved ones of the Jacks as well as the Disneyland Resort’s Entertainment Department and Cast Members, all of us at DisneyTips offer our sincerest condolences. Click here if you’d like to donate to the Jacks’ memorial fund, thank you.
