Community shows support for family members after tragic event at restaurant

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A community will come together Thursday to show support for a Gaston County family.

Police said Roger Self drove into a Bessemer City restaurant, killing his daughter Kate Self, his daughter-in-law Amanda Self and seriously injuring his wife and son Josh Self.

Amanda and Josh Self were married with two young children.

Their 8-year-old son played for the Blue Jays little league baseball team in Stanley. Amanda was a team mother.

[IMAGES: Car crashes into Bessemer City restaurant]

“She smiled whether we’d win or we’d lose,” coach Chad Brown said.

The smiling face is what many will remember about Amanda Self, who was often on the field.

"She was a great lady. (She) had a great demeanor, always upbeat,” Brown said. “Loved her kids.”

She, her teenage daughter, and husband Josh were together on Saturday cheering on their son.

"He was the star of the game. He lights the room up when he comes in,” Brown said.

The team won and the family left excited, but the next day their lives would change forever.

Sunday police said Josh’s dad, Roger Self, drove into the Surf and Turf Lodge where his family was sitting.

Amanda’s children were there too and survived.

"It's heartbreaking for two children who lost their mom,” Chad Brown said.

Brown said the family wants to keep normalcy in the children’s lives so Thursday, Amanda’s 8-year-old child is expected to play his regularly scheduled game.

"The healing is going to start on a baseball field,” Brown said.

Brown said he wants the community to come out and show their support for two kids who need it more than ever.

"We want to pack the place, to get as many people here just to show the love for the family," Brown said.

That game is in Harper Park in Stanley at 8 p.m. Thursday.

There are several events planned to support the family starting Wednesday night.

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help pay for expenses.

A representative for the family said no donations from this fund will go toward the defense of Roger Self.

Cox Media Group