In this deeply emotional episode of The Surviving Siblings® Podcast, host Maya Roffler sits down with three surviving siblings Elizabeth, Roger (Avery), and Ryan to share the heartbreaking and inspiring story of losing their sister, Kathryn “Kayleigh” Thurgaland, in a tragic car accident in October 2020.

What makes this episode truly unique is hearing the story from three perspectives, each sibling offering a different memory, emotion, and lens through which Kayleigh is remembered. From early childhood memories filled with family bonfires and music, to the unimaginable moment of receiving the call that she had passed, this episode is a portrait of a family that has chosen love, unity, and legacy in the face of profound loss.

Kayleigh was a gifted artist, dancer, and musician whose spirit lives on through the Kathryn Lee Thurgaland Foundation, a family-run nonprofit offering grief support to families, scholarships to young artists, and a celebration of life through their annual Love of Life Festival.

In This Episode:

(0:00:00) – Introducing the Thurgaland Siblings

Maya welcomes Elizabeth, Roger (Avery), and Ryan to the show. The three surviving siblings share their family dynamic, what it was like growing up with Kayleigh, and their close-knit, creative household full of love, art, and adventure.

(0:05:00) – Each Sibling Shares Their Bond with Kayleigh

Elizabeth, the eldest, recalls being a “second mom” figure. Roger reflects on their musical childhood and fatherhood overlapping with grief. Ryan speaks about being the baby of the family and Kayleigh’s influence on his love for dance and music.

(0:15:00) – The Last Day They Saw Kayleigh

Each sibling recounts the day Kayleigh returned home from college. Her final night, the last hug, and the moments leading up to the car accident that took her life. Their vivid, heartbreaking memories capture both the beauty of their bond and the devastation of sudden loss.

(0:26:00) – The Accident

Elizabeth walks listeners through the frantic hours spent trying to locate Kayleigh after she didn’t return home, how she uncovered clues from snapchat, and the devastating moment the family received the news.

(0:44:00) – What Happened to Kayleigh

Kayleigh and a friend died in a car crash caused by distracted driving and speeding. She was asleep in the passenger seat. The car crossed a median and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Both passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.

[00:46:00] How the Foundation Began The family shares how community support inspired them to start the KLT Foundation, honoring Kayleigh’s life through grief support, scholarships, and the Love of Life Festival.

[00:51:00] Kayleigh’s Art & Words Her artwork and powerful quotes live on—"If any flame could burn forever, it would be our own..."—now used for fundraising and remembrance.

[00:53:00] Grieving as a Family Ryan discusses how working together as a family through the foundation is healing, even when it's hard.

[00:55:00] Love of Life Festival 2026 Event details for the next Love of Life Festival in Weirsdale, FL—March 7, 2026. Music, art, and remembrance.

This episode is sponsored by The Kathryn Leigh Thurgaland Foundation

Out of their immense grief, the Thurgalands created the Kathryn Lee Thurgaland Foundation, which serves three powerful missions:

• Grief Week Support: Helping families during the fragile first days after losing a child.

• Creative Arts Scholarships: Supporting students pursuing careers in the arts.

• Love of Life Festival: A free, joy-filled event celebrating life, community, and remembrance.

Their motto? “Keep laughing. Keep dancing. Keep singing.” — a phrase pulled from Kayleigh’s own journals.

Learn More About The Foundation:

• Press Kit: https://www.kltfoundation.com/presskit

• The KLT Foundation: https://www.kltfoundation.com/

• KLT Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kltfoundation/

• KLT Foundation Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kathryn-leigh-thurgaland-foundation/

• Love Of Life Festival: https://www.facebook.com/loveoflifefest

 

Connect with Elizabeth: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.thurgaland

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethuggg

Connect With Roger Avery: 

• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/avery.thurgaland

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rogerthat_1997

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rogerthatthug

Connect With Ryan: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_t_music

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanthurgaland

 

Connect with Maya:

• Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingsiblingspodcast/

• Maya's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaroffler/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@survivingsiblingspodcast

• Twitter: https://x.com/survivingsibpod

• Website: thesurvivingsiblings.com

• Facebook Group: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• YouTube: The Surviving Siblings Podcast

• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheSurvivingSiblingsPodcast