Central Texas Woman Dies When Car Hits Bull
Central Texas Woman Dies When Car Hits Bull Save Email Print
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(June 22, 2008)—Rita Henning, 56, of Penelope died Saturday night when her car hit a bull that was standing in the middle of FM 2311 north of Axtell, the Department of Public Safety said Sunday.

The force of the collision threw the bull onto the windshield and roof of Henning’s 2003 Ford Taurus, which veered off the road and struck a 1987 Chrysler New Yorker that was parked on the shoulder.

McLennan County Justice of the Peace Belinda Summers pronounced Henning dead at the scene.
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Posted by: a mom Location: temple on Jun 24, 2008 at 06:58 PM
My prayes to the family. She died too young in my mind. It does happen on farm roads. I always try to notify someone when I see an animal out. You can call 911. They will send the right person out. There are good ranchers and bad ranchers and sometimes there are just accidents. I don't have a clue as to where this falls, but blessings to the family.
Posted by: Killeen on Jun 24, 2008 at 04:23 PM
I bet Rachel responds to her own posts just to get a rise from all of us.
Posted by: CenTex Resident on Jun 24, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Of course livestock gets the right of way, whether its written law or not, they are big, heavy and do not give way when hit by a car or a truck. I am not sure what the law is on numbered farm to market roads, but on state highways, the livestock owner is responsible for any accidents caused by livestock being in the road.
Posted by: Rachel Location: Temple on Jun 24, 2008 at 02:04 PM
We should also ban cars from driving around that late at night....what were they thinking, that poor bull. Dude you need to be banned for neing a bad person....You probably own guns and ride motorcycle shame on you ):
Posted by: From 'round here Location: Gatesville on Jun 24, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Hey Rachel...why don't you apply for that job? Furthermore, how stereo-typical can you get? Not all bike riders are idiots...in fact, I believe we've covered quite extensively that many times bike riders are injured due to drivers on 4 wheels not paying attention. So who's the real idiot(and can we please stick to the issue at hand)? I pray for the family of the lady killed in the accident. Animals on the road are serious business!!!
Posted by: motherof1 Location: bosque county on Jun 24, 2008 at 04:14 AM
Rachel, the funny thing is that you are probably serious about banning large animals. In fact, i think they should give that job to you. Driving up and down all FM roads and removing large animals. Heck, you might as well remove the small ones, those armadillo's come outa nowhere! I love reading your ignorant comments, makes for a good laugh.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 24, 2008 at 01:17 AM
its a fram road if you hit a cow or bull its your fault. and thats no bull.
Posted by: Family Member Location: Texas on Jun 23, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Regarding free range state & fault- it IS the fault of the THREE people who were seen at 8:30 p.m. in the pasture next to where the bull was out. They were or had to have known the owner. We lost a beloved family member.
Posted by: stephanie Location: groesbeck on Jun 23, 2008 at 06:21 PM
Right,it is not just s county law but a state law. Farm animals have the right of way on Fm roads. Des this excuse the farner or rancher from his duties to keep his fences in good order, No. My husband and I have cattle and horses and we check our fences regularly. It could be from someone running through your fence and leaving so they won't face the cost of repairs to your property and some just don't care. I have seen both. I am soory for this woman and her family. They are in my prayers.
Posted by: mother of 2 Location: texas on Jun 23, 2008 at 04:55 PM
RE:Sorry, you should be sorry...There is nothing funny about your comment...We lost a wonderful family member....
Posted by: Axtell Resident Location: Axtell on Jun 23, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Texas is considered a free-range state; which means - all livestock have the right of way. Now, that is not to say that the owners must take precautions and fence their properties. There shouldn't be fault assigned here unfortunately. I have come close to hitting several cows over the years....it's a scary thing.
Posted by: Tina Location: belton on Jun 23, 2008 at 03:50 PM
that was very unnecessary whoever posted as sorry. what if that was your mom or your sister or even you daughter. low blow a hole
Posted by: angie Location: waco on Jun 23, 2008 at 03:16 PM
You crack me up Dude!! Love it!!
Posted by: Rachel on Jun 23, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Actually Dude, banning large animals from our roads is a good idea. Unlike idiot bike riders, these innocent animals don't know any better.
Posted by: susie Location: central texas on Jun 23, 2008 at 02:47 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with this family!
Posted by: sorry Location: couldnt resist on Jun 23, 2008 at 02:20 PM
a ford taurus and a bull irony
Posted by: myself Location: bremond on Jun 23, 2008 at 02:10 PM
its not just falls county that cows have the right away.. Things happen... THATS WHY THEY ARE CALLED ACCIDENTS
Posted by: dudE Location: TEXAS on Jun 23, 2008 at 12:51 PM
lets all join rachel and call for a total ban on bulls,and highways,and cars.
Posted by: EVE Location: WACO on Jun 23, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I wonder if the owner of the aninmal will be held respocible. In 1997 I think it was on New year's EVE there was a dead cow in the middle of IH35 right outside of Salado. and My dad Almost hit it. God Bless this poor famliy
Posted by: angie Location: Waco on Jun 23, 2008 at 11:30 AM
God bless the family. I almost hit a bull on 1858 a few years back. Thank God I didn't. FM roads ARE for farmers and ranchers.
Posted by: mother of 2 Location: texas on Jun 23, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Aunt Rita...We are going to miss you....We love you....
Posted by: Farm Girl on Jun 23, 2008 at 08:18 AM
I am so sorry for the family on such a tragedy. I hit two cows a month ago, totalling my car and fortunately me and my son came out without a scratch. Here in Falls county(not other counties) the cows have the right of way on a FM highway. I come from a ranching family so I have understanding on both sides but I think that if the laws were stricter the ranchers would check their fences more often to avoid this from happening. In my case it was not the ranchers fault but a bull dozer that knocked the fence down and didn't advise the rancher. This death has awakened me to answer the question. Isn't a human life more important?
Posted by: Betty Location: Meridian on Jun 23, 2008 at 07:35 AM
You talk about a freak accident, that is awful. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Posted by: Sad Location: Texas on Jun 22, 2008 at 11:03 PM
How tragic. I sure wish ranchers could keep a closer eye on their fences. My prayers are with this ladies family.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 22, 2008 at 04:48 PM
HOW HORRIBLE
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