2 killed in crash; 3rd hurt Trailer hits students' SUV after coming loose, crossing I-30 median

Dallas Morning News, The (TX)

August 8, 2006

Edition: FIRST
Section: METRO
Page: 3B

2 killed in crash; 3rd hurt

Trailer hits students' SUV after coming loose, crossing I-30 median
Author: IAN McCANN; Staff Writer

Article Text:

Two Texas A&M University-Commerce students were killed and one was injured over the weekend when their SUV was hit by a trailer that came loose from a truck and crossed the Interstate 30 median just east of Royse City.

The women were returning to campus after a tubing trip, said university Police Chief Donna Spinato.

The survivor, identified as Rachel Ashley Bates, 18, of Commerce, was released Monday from Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, authorities said.

Flags at the university will fly at half-staff today in memory of Britney Lipsey, 20, of Celeste, in northern Hunt County, and Rachel Rollings, 22, of Coffeyville, Kan. Some were members of the Chi Omega sorority.

Chief Spinato said that the three were well-known at the school and that Ms. Rollings was a lifeguard at the university's recreation center.

"They were all very sweet girls," she said. "The university is saddened by the untimely deaths."

Ms. Lipsey's stepfather, Johnny Morrow, said he was struggling with his daughter's death in such a freak accident. He said Ms. Lipsey was a popular, athletic student at Celeste High School and was looking forward to a career in physical therapy.

"She played basketball, golf, was a cheerleader and homecoming queen," Mr. Morrow said. At the Commerce university, Ms. Lipsey was on the dean's list and was named a "dream girl" for the Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Though she was outgoing and independent, Ms. Lipsey still made time to call home every day.

"We had no issues. Zero. We did everything together," Mr. Morrow said.

He said Ms. Rollings was an exceptional young woman who was close friends with Ms. Lipsey and often visited Ms. Lipsey's home, about 30 minutes from campus.

Ms. Rollings' family could not be reached Monday.

Royse City police said the trailer, carrying a car, came loose from a westbound truck and crossed the median about 2 p.m., hitting the SUV carrying the women.

The SUV rolled and came to a stop on its roof on the right side of the highway between FM35 and FM2642.

Staff writer Holly Yan contributed to this report.

E-mail imccann@dallasnews.com

Copyright 2006 The Dallas Morning News
Record Number: 1180475533