The Woodford County Sheriff's Department is investigating a holiday weekend accident.

The Sheriff says 60-year-old Steve Hodel died and three others were injured after a woman accidentally drove her car into a crowd following the town's fireworks display Friday.

Ruby Kennell , 85, was issued a ticket for failure to reduce speed.

It is unknown if she will still be allowed to drive.

The Woodford County State's Attorney Mike Stroh says he is awaiting the results of the Sheriff's investigation to determine what, if any, legal action will be taken.

Despite the tragedy, the Hodel family says they are at peace with what happened.

"He was just happy that day, he was joking and laughing," said Joyce Hodel, Steve's wife.

Their fourth of July celebration quickly turned into a nightmare Friday night.

As the fireworks finished, Kennell backed out of a parking space, but instead of hitting the brake to avoid the crowd behind her, her foot hit the gas.

"All of the sudden we were flying out of our chairs, I remember the tires on my legs, and then when everything calmed down I remember seeing someone under the car," said Hodel, who was transported to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.

Joyce and her three daughters say the accident is tragic, but they view the loss of their father and husband as a part of God's plan

"There are no hard feelings, we forgive her, there is no blame," said Hodel, who met with Kennel privately Monday morning.

His Oldest daughter Katie Mueller, 28, says what's important now is remembering him for how he was.

"He would give anything, do anything, to make his wife and girls happy, that was his passion, that's what made him happy," said.

"He would sit here and say, if the accident was going to happen, lord take me, take me and leave everybody else," said Hodel.

Now the family and friends he left behind will try to move forward without him.