An Alabama mother who was on a road trip with family and friends was fatally struck by a vehicle while retrieving luggage that had fallen out of the car in which she and others were traveling.
Daphne Police Chief Brian Gulsby said the victim, 47-year-old Elizabeth Ann Atkinson, was on a “girls’ vacation” with her two daughters and two friends when the incident happened Tuesday morning, USA Today reported Wednesday.
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Atkinson was trying to “pick up spilled luggage” as the group drove along State Route 181 near Rigsby Road around 6:18 a.m. Moments later, “at 6:25 a.m. a second call was received reporting that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle in the same vicinity,” Gulsby said in a statement.
Atkinson died at the scene. The city of Daphne is located about 13 miles southeast of Mobile, along Mobile Bay.
Stock image of an ambulance.
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During the preliminary investigation, the police were able to rule out certain factors that could have contributed to the death.
“Neither alcohol nor excessive speed is believed to have played a role in this incident,” they said.
A dash cam from the vehicle that struck Atkinson in which he was traveling helped authorities confirm that the vehicle was not exceeding the posted speed limit.
Speaking to Mobile Fox10 News, Capt. Reginald Ardis said, “We believe the back of the truck came open and a piece of luggage fell out and opened up on the highway and the scattered clothing that she stopped and tried to pick up…along with another member family.”
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police patrol car at night.
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According to Miami Herald, Atkinson’s two daughters were students at Bayside Academy. School is currently on break until January 8 after the New Year holidays.
Bayside shared tributes to the family on their social media platforms.
“It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the recent death of Bayside parent, Elizabeth Atkinson,” the academy began in a Facebook post Tuesday.
“On behalf of the administration and our school, we express our deepest condolences to the Atkinson family. Our love and prayers go out to Elizabeth’s husband, Russell, and their daughters, Emma (Class of 2024) and Ally (Class of 2026).A prayer service will be held in Elizabeth’s honor tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. We will gather on the Bluff to collectively mourn this sudden tragedy and offer support to the family. In case of rain, the service will be held in the Bayside gym.”
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The same message was shared on the school’s Instagram account.
Bayside shared a photo from the prayer on his Instagram Story on Wednesday. In the broadcast, dozens of supporters gathered to remember Atkinson.
“The clouds parted and the sun came out. Let’s continue to pray for the Atkinson family,” the school wrote.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education