Mother, daughter stranded on snowy road found alive, 2nd daughter found dead

MOFFAT COUNTY, Colo. — Sheriff's deputies found a mother and her two young daughters stranded on a rural Moffat County road after their car got stuck in the mud and snow on Thursday. 

The woman and a two-year-old were found alive but suffering from exposure-related injuries. The one-and-a-half-year-old was found deceased by deputies.

An awaiting ambulance transported the mother and her two-year-old to Memorial Regional Health in Craig.  

The Moffat County Sheriff Office said they received a report of a suspicious car near county road 54 located in unincorporated Moffat County – a road that travelers don't use during the winter months. 

> Video above: What should be in a vehicle emergency preparedness kit

Deputies found the stranded car was empty and an initial search for the occupants didn't find anyone near. 

The sheriff's office said they organized a search on the ground and by air with the help of Moffat County Search & Rescue and local airport personnel,  eventually locating 36-year-old Kaylee Messerly, with her two young girls, about a mile away from the car. 

The sheriff's office is still investigating. 

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AAA recommends keeping an emergency kit in your car at all times. These are some of the items they suggest including:

• Cell phone and car charger (glove compartment) 
• First-aid kit (glove compartment) 
• Blanket (luggage area) 
• Drinking water/snacks for everyone in the car including pets (some in glove compartment, the rest in the luggage area) 
• Flashlight with extra fresh batteries 
• Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes 
• Basic set of tools along with duct tape and car emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors (luggage area) 
• Ice scraper/snow brush 
• Jumper cables/jump pack 
• Traction aid such as sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter 
• Tarp, raincoat and gloves 
• Shovel

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