Father Wins Custody Dispute, Nearly Dies On Way Home With Kids

GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ) It was the moment he'd been waiting for -- picking up his daughters following a bitter custody dispute and legal wrangling.

Attorney Paulette Michel said father Matthew Beasley, 30, called her on his way to pick up his daughters in Aurora, Colo., "ecstatic" to have the opportunity to reunite with his girls.

But it was short-lived. Four hours later Beasley lost control of his car in Grand Island, Neb., with his daughters on board, killing his passenger Jennifer Foster, 31, and putting him on life support.

"Miraculously, the girls had been buckled in their car seats and were absolutely fine," Michelle said. "The car was upside down, so the girls were hanging upside down."

Police believe Beasley fell asleep at the wheel. His prognosis is uncertain.

The girls, Charlotte, 2, and Madison, 3, were turned over to his mother,who is reportedly caring for them at the hospital where their father is fighting for his life.

"He's a very hands-on father so when he finally found them and was able to get them, he was extremely overjoyed," Michel said.