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I thought watching my 4-year-old cry through chemo was the darkest moment of my life – then a phone call broke my heart

I thought watching my 4-year-old cry through chemo was the darkest moment of my life – then a phone call broke my heart

The Irish Sun15-05-2025
A MUM whose daughter is undergoing chemotherapy has faced another devastating tragedy after suddenly losing her husband in a crash.
At 7:50am on 30 April, a car struck 25-year-old Brian Licon while he was riding his motorcycle on his way to work.
4
Brian Licon and Rebecca Herrera with Analicia and Athena
Credit: SWNS
4
Brian was sadly in a motorcycle accident
Credit: SWNS
Brian was rushed to Denver Health Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
The Wheat Ridge Police Department confirmed that no arrests have been made, but the investigation is ongoing.
Brian's four-year-old daughter, Analicia, is in remission for leukaemia but continues treatment to ensure no cancer cells remain.
Her mum, Rebecca Herrera, 22, is now grappling with how to support her daughter's mental health while also managing the costs of ongoing treatment.
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Rebecca, a full-time mum from Wheat Ridge, Colorado, said: "Brian was
nice
to everyone, he helped anyone he could.
He was a hard-working man and went to work every day to provide for his kids."
"Part of the reason we launched the GoFundMe is to help us with the treatment costs.
Analicia is in remission, but my biggest worry right now is her mental health going through chemotherapy without her dad."
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Rebecca shared how difficult it has been for Analicia to adjust to life without her father.
"We have been staying at my mother-in-law's house. I tried to go home, and she was screaming and crying, saying it was making her sad.
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"She is four, she doesn't understand, but I know she can tell it is different and he is not here."
Brian was on his way to work when the crash occurred at the intersection of Sheridan Boulevard and West 32nd Avenue.
Police confirmed that the driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene.
Rebecca received a call around 9:30am informing her that Brian had been in a motorcycle accident and was at the hospital.
I spoke to my daughter, but her only being four, I don't think she understands
Rebecca Herrera
She said: "The hospital called to say I needed to rush over there. They told me Brian had been in a motorcycle accident, and he was in critical condition.
"But by the time I got there, he had passed.
"I was able to see him. I was in disbelief, complete shock. I couldn't believe it, I still can't believe he is gone."
When Rebecca returned home, she had to break the heartbreaking news to her two daughters, Analicia, four, and Athena, 11 months, that their father had passed away.
4
Brian Licon and Rebecca Herrera with Analicia and Athena
Credit: SWNS
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Brian was Rebecca's 'high school sweetheart'
Credit: SWNS
Rebecca said: "Brian was working hard to support his family while Analicia battled cancer after her diagnosis in December 2023.
"I spoke to my daughter, but her only being four, I don't think she understands.
"Brian was the most amazing dad, he loved his kids. He fought for his kids, he did anything they asked – they were his babies."
In the wake of Brian's tragic death, Rebecca has started a
"I loved everything about him," Rebecca said. "We had been together since high school.
"He was so funny, I loved the way he loved me. I don't think I will ever find anyone who loves me like he loves me."
You can visit their
Where to get support for bereavement
There is lots of help and available if you are experiencing grief after the death of a loved one.
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