What to do and say

Yesterday, while at work, my daughter, who is 17, witnessed a camper run over a person on a motorcycle. I will leave out details, but let me say I don't think the person lived. The camper drove off not realizing he had hit someone, but did later return.
My daughter is who called 911, went out to scene, watched, but could do nothing.

Today, she is back at work, pieces of the motorcycle still in the driveway of where she works. I can find out no information on the motorcyclist, so can't tell her any more.

I have hugged her, told her I am so sorry, etc.....
BUT, I think this is affecting her more than I know how to handle.
Ideas on what to do besides listening to her?

 

The police did come in afterwards yesterday to tell her he is 23 and was not breathing when they airlifted him to a nearby hospital. That is the last we have been able to find out.

TimW. My thinking is to keep an eye on her and see how it affects her in a week or so. Or less time, if I see some changes in her. Good idea about contacting local community for counseling.

 

I'm sure it's affecting her gal, likely will for a while. That's only human. Hug her and love her, talk to her about it as much as she is willing. If she feels she can't handle it with just the two of you and time, suggest counseling to help. These days, counseling seems to be the first response to any trauma, but most folks cope well with just those that love them helping them through it. Keep an eye on her, and keep the dialogue open. Just talking it out helps a lot.

 

Thanks Gary. This is the same daughter who last year her friend was killed in a car accident while talking on his cell phone. Talking to me and her friends helped then and I am hoping it will be enough again.
She's been through a lot already in her young life.

 

My husband just went through this with a co-worker who died on the job (he's a logger). He may be older than your daughter, but it still hits hard when you witness something like this.

As Tim says, keep listening to her & offer her the option of counseling if she wants it. It does take time to heal and get those awful images out the front of your waking and sleeping dreams.

Big hugs to you too gal.....I know it is awful to see your child suffering like this. Encourage her to talk ...to you or whoever...rather than bottle it up.

 

Thank you Lev. Yes, it is very hard. I feel helpless except for hugging her and talking to her.
A lady I worked with heard he died, but there is nothing on radio or paper.