KIT CARSON, COLO. -- Family and friends will gather later today to remember the spirit of a father and five children killed in a car accident last week.

57 year old Cheyenne County Sheriff's deputy Howard Mitchell and five children were killed when their car hit a tractor-trailer in a construction zone, 7 other children in the van were also hurt.

Mitchell ran a group home for adopted and foster children in Kit Carson.

Friends said that they believe Mitchell suffered a heart attack just before the collision.

Pastor Eric Kilborn said an autopsy on Mitchell showed a major blockage of blood to his heart.

The services will be held at 1:00 this afternoon in the Eads High School auditorium.

The family is asking that contributions be made to a memorial fund set up at the Kit Carson State Bank or to the Brown Funeral Home in Eads.