By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Aug. 21, 2001
An accident reconstructionist with the Mississippi Highway Patrol is expected to investigate a Friday night accident that claimed the lives of two area teenagers.
The accident occurred at 10:14 p.m. at the intersection of Cotton Gin Road and Highway 45 North, about six miles north of Meridian.
Killed in the accident were Rachel Keeton and Alicia Hoover, both 16. Keeton was pronounced dead at the scene; Hoover died a day later at Riley Hospital.
An accident reconstructionist is a specially trained expert who examines a variety of elements and conditions in an effort to determine what happened. Carter said a more detailed report on the accident would be compiled.
According to preliminary information gathered by a Trooper at the scene, Hoover and Keeton were riding in a car driven by Alex J. Broadway, 18, of 451 Pemberton Drive, Pearl. Broadway was transported to Riley Hospital. Also in the car was Stephanie Hackney. Ronnie Carter said he had no additional information regarding Hackney or Broadway.
Staff Sgt. Mike Cain said the 1993 Ford being driven by Broadway apparently pulled into the path of an 18-wheeler. That truck was being driven by Will Miller III, 37, of Crystal River, Fla.
Carter said he had no further information about Miller. Miller's passenger, Tammy Colemon, was transported to a local hospital and treated and released, Carter said.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for the Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.