PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Monte Motors gave a woman a free car after Norfolk city leaders refused to pay for damages after a sinkhole swallowed her car in Norfolk. The owner of the dealership, Monte Jones, said he saw our story online.
"I was doing nothing but scrolling on Facebook, and I ran across your story," he said. "I tapped on it and looked at it and it compelled me to help this lady."
Kellie Corner was driving to work on Fishermans Road back on December 30, when she said the road collapsed underneath her. At that time, Norfolk officials said a sinkhole opened up after an underground pipe from 1945 broke.
Two months after the incident, Norfolk officials sent Corner a letter that claimed they are not legally responsible for the damage. Officials said they didn’t know the water main would break and cite a Norfolk City code section saying the city isn’t responsible for damage from water main breaks.
Kellie was out of luck. After our story aired about city leaders refusing to pay for the damages, Jones said he would step in to help. He gave her a generous gift of a new ride. He handed over the keys to a Toyota Camry.
Jones said, “The way I grew up, the way I see life. The humanity in America no more and I want to bring it back."
Corner said the car will get her to and from work and to help family members.
"I'm overwhelmed, just emotional. Just overly emotional," she explained.
One small gesture can drive home faith and compassion.
"It's good to know that there are people out there that can help someone else that needs it,” Corner said.
Corner raised more than $700 on a GoFundme page. The money will go toward her medical bills and car registration and plates.