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Life after unbearable loss: Florida legislator finds her way amid the pain

Winter Haven News Chief
State Rep. Emily Slosberg talks in December 2019 before a legislative delegation meeting about her recent mental health hospitalization.
State Rep. Emily Slosberg talks in December 2019 before a legislative delegation meeting about her recent mental health hospitalization.
ALLEN EYESTONE/palmbeachpost.com
Florida state Rep. Emily Slosberg, left, with her sister, Wendy Slosberg, at the site of a 1996 car crash at Palmetto Park Road and Boca Rio Road that claimed the life of Emily ’ s twin sister, Dori, and four friends. Emily was one of four survivors. She was hospitalized in November after suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. She still struggles with mental health issues 24 years later.
Florida state Rep. Emily Slosberg, left, with her sister, Wendy Slosberg, at the site of a 1996 car crash at Palmetto Park Road and Boca Rio Road that claimed the life of Emily’s twin sister, Dori, and four friends. Emily was one of four survivors. She was hospitalized in November after suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. She still struggles with mental health issues 24 years later.
TIM STEPIEN/palmbeachpost.com
Emily Slosberg looks to her father, state Rep. Irv Slosberg, while making remarks in January 2004 at Spanish River High School.
Emily Slosberg looks to her father, state Rep. Irv Slosberg, while making remarks in January 2004 at Spanish River High School.
Palm Beach Post File Photo
Emily Slosberg speaks during the Dori Saves Lives traffic safety awareness event, “ Staying Alive on Florida ’ s Roadways, ” in June 2016 in Boynton Beach.
Emily Slosberg speaks during the Dori Saves Lives traffic safety awareness event, “Staying Alive on Florida’s Roadways,” in June 2016 in Boynton Beach.
Palm Beach Post File Photo
Emily Slosberg was 14 when she survived a west Boca car crash that killed her twin sister, Dori, and four others.
Emily Slosberg was 14 when she survived a west Boca car crash that killed her twin sister, Dori, and four others.
Palm Beach Post File Photo
Emily Slosberg ’ s twin sister, Dori, who was among five teenagers killed in a February 1996 crash west of Boca Raton.
Emily Slosberg’s twin sister, Dori, who was among five teenagers killed in a February 1996 crash west of Boca Raton.
Provided By Irv Slosberg
Nicholas Copertino, the driver of the car in the west Boca crash that killed Dori Slosberg and four other teenagers, testifies in March 2004 while seeking a reduced sentence. A judge ordered that he serve his entire 15-year sentence for five counts of manslaughter.
Nicholas Copertino, the driver of the car in the west Boca crash that killed Dori Slosberg and four other teenagers, testifies in March 2004 while seeking a reduced sentence. A judge ordered that he serve his entire 15-year sentence for five counts of manslaughter.
Palm Beach Post File Photo
In August 2000, Emily Slosberg peers into the rear seat of the Honda Civic that she was riding in in February 1996 when it crashed, killing her sister, Dori, and four others.
In August 2000, Emily Slosberg peers into the rear seat of the Honda Civic that she was riding in in February 1996 when it crashed, killing her sister, Dori, and four others.
Palm Beach Post File Photo
On election night in September 2006, Irv Slosberg awaits results with his daughter, Emily, at his side. Slosberg lost his bid for a state Senate seat.
On election night in September 2006, Irv Slosberg awaits results with his daughter, Emily, at his side. Slosberg lost his bid for a state Senate seat.
Palm Beach Post File Photo
On the 10th anniversary of the crash, Emily Slosberg scrubs the roadside memorial to her twin sister, Dori, one of five teenagers killed in the February 1996 crash west of Boca Raton.
On the 10th anniversary of the crash, Emily Slosberg scrubs the roadside memorial to her twin sister, Dori, one of five teenagers killed in the February 1996 crash west of Boca Raton.
Palm Beach Post File Photo
Irv Slosberg reacts to election returns showing him leading his Democratic primary opponent, Curt Levine, for a state House seat in October 2000. Also pictured is Jenya Oboukhova.
Irv Slosberg reacts to election returns showing him leading his Democratic primary opponent, Curt Levine, for a state House seat in October 2000. Also pictured is Jenya Oboukhova.
Palm Beach Post File Photo
Emily Slosberg ’ s father, Irv Slosberg, speaks in favor of a countywide mask mandate on June 23 at a Palm Beach County Commission meeting.
Emily Slosberg’s father, Irv Slosberg, speaks in favor of a countywide mask mandate on June 23 at a Palm Beach County Commission meeting.
LANNIS WATERS/palmbeachpost.com
State Rep. Emily Slosberg, left, her sister, Wendy, right, and friend Mary Russell, at the scene of the crash that killed Dori Slosberg and four others on Feb. 23, 1996, on Palmetto Park Road at Boca Rio Road west of Boca Raton. Emily spoke recently to The Post about her struggles with mental health issues 24 years after the crash.
State Rep. Emily Slosberg, left, her sister, Wendy, right, and friend Mary Russell, at the scene of the crash that killed Dori Slosberg and four others on Feb. 23, 1996, on Palmetto Park Road at Boca Rio Road west of Boca Raton. Emily spoke recently to The Post about her struggles with mental health issues 24 years after the crash.
TIM STEPIEN/palmbeachpost.com
State Rep. Emily Slosberg, right, at a December 2019 Palm Beach County legislative delegation meeting in Loxahatchee Groves.
State Rep. Emily Slosberg, right, at a December 2019 Palm Beach County legislative delegation meeting in Loxahatchee Groves.
ALLEN EYESTONE/palmbeachpost.com
State Rep. Emily Slosberg speaks May 22 at a news conference at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton after officials announced a COVID-19 testing site at the university.
State Rep. Emily Slosberg speaks May 22 at a news conference at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton after officials announced a COVID-19 testing site at the university.
ALLEN EYESTONE/palmbeachpost.com
State Rep. Emily Slosberg talks in December 2019 before a legislative delegation meeting about her recent mental health hospitalization.
State Rep. Emily Slosberg talks in December 2019 before a legislative delegation meeting about her recent mental health hospitalization.
ALLEN EYESTONE/palmbeachpost.com
State Rep. Emily Slosberg talks in December 2019 before a legislative delegation meeting about her recent mental health hospitalization.
State Rep. Emily Slosberg talks in December 2019 before a legislative delegation meeting about her recent mental health hospitalization.
ALLEN EYESTONE/palmbeachpost.com