Ashley Parra killed by 18-wheeler in downtown Dallas

UPDATE!

I originally posted the blog entry below moments after the tragic 18-wheeler accident occured. This morning the debris from the accident had been cleared from the roadway and new information was made available. I don't always get an opportunity to update old blog entries due the shear volume of information, but I felt that this particular story needed to shift focus not so much to highlight the specifics of the accident but to share the story of a remarkable young girl who was taken from her family too soon.

Twenty-year-old Ashley Parra was traveling the same path she takes virtually everyday when an 18-wheeler fell from an overpass onto her car killing her. A waitress at a local restaurant and a student at The University of North Texas, she was loved by many including her grandmother who spoke with reporters from the local news station to share some kind words about the girl she had raised since age 9.

Ashley was studying to be a teacher and was a member of her school's equestrian team. Prior to her tranfer to UNT she studied law at Southern Methodist University.

The driver of the truck, David Semonellis of Bedford, TX, was ejected from the cab of the truck and died at the scene as well.


...the story as it was originally posted yesterday...
At least two victims were killed Wednesday afternoon when an 18-wheeler traveling traveling through downtown Dallas fell from an overpass crushing thier vehicle as it was being driven on the street below.

The 18-wheeler feel from a height of approximately 15 feet from the Stemmons Freeway overpass onto Continental Ave. The 18-wheeler was hauling a load of metal pipes and bearing assemblies for Texas Land and Air. Authorities say the cargo on board the 18-wheeler may have shifted causing the driver to lose control of the massive vehicle.

Resuce workers are still trying to determine if there are more victims trapped beneath the mass of twisted metal and debris. The driver of the truck was ejected from the cab and did not survive the impact.


A note from E. Michael Grossman:

This one hits a little close to home. This tragic wreck occured just minutes away from our principal office. Virtually any accident involving one of these gargantuan vehicles can end in disaster, but the notion of such a massive vehicle falling onto a car below leaves little room for any possibility but a catastrophic outcome. My heart goes out to victims of this tragic event.