By By Steve Gillespie/The Meridian Star
Aug. 19, 2001
One 16-year-old girl died Saturday night and another died Friday night from injuries they received in an automobile accident at Highway 45 North and Cotton Gin Road.
Lauderdale County Medical Examiner Marl Cobler said that Aleshia Hoover was pronounced dead at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Riley Hospital. He said that Rachel Keeton died at the scene of the accident Friday.
Cobler said that both Hoover and Keeton died from massive trauma received in the accident.
Details of the accident remained sketchy Saturday, including whether any other people were injured.
Trooper Roy Benamon of the Mississippi Highway Patrol was investigating the accident. But Benamon did not return phone calls seeking his comment Saturday.
Staff Sgt. Mike Cain, an accident reconstructionist with the Highway Patrol, said the crash is still under investigation. He said that a car carrying Keeton and Hoover crossed the path of an 18-wheeler Friday night; he said the truck struck the car on the passenger's side.
Steve Gillespie is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3233, or e-mail him at sgillespie@themeridianstar.com.