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DPS Finds Vehicle Belonging To Victims Of Deadly Accident Save Email Print
51 comments
A | A | A

(August 29, 2008)—The Department of Public Safety confirmed late Friday morning that the two adults and two young children who died late Thursday night when an SUV struck them on an Interstate 35 service road north of Waco were walking because their vehicle had broken down.

Investigators weren’t sure initially why the four were on foot because they weren’t able to find a disabled vehicle.

The adults were evidently carrying the children.

The SUV crested a hill and struck the four just after 10 p.m. Thursday as they walked in the middle of the northbound I-35 service road near the town of West.

The driver of the SUV wasn’t charged.

The victims were identified as Brandee Thorpe, 20, Austyn Fontenot, 2, and Kinzee Fontenot, 1, all of Hillsboro.

A Robinson man, Gregory Howell, 25, was also killed.

McLennan County Justice of the Peace Billy Martin pronounced all four dead at the scene.

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Posted by: Lorin on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:46 PM
I miss her more and more each day. She wasa great sister, best friend, good person, and a even better mom. She loved her babies wth everyhting she had she loved her family.The way those kids could put the biggest smile on her face, and her crazy laugh and everytime she laughed she snort. She will always be loved and missed! And so willthose bueatiful babies. The way Austyn would want to be right there at your side and Kinzee how cute that smile was that is how I will remember them. I cant believe she is gone crazy how you just see or talk to someone and a day letr their gone! I love you three! And it just gets wworse and worse the pain the memory's I am so affrid they will faid. Or I forget your voice or that laught. I wouldnt wish this upon anyone not even my worst enemy. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers and all the support we have all recieved. I just hope we can all stay close after al this. Lindsay just remember you always have me! Love you hun!
Posted by: hmmmm on Sep 12, 2008 at 02:34 PM
To Justice how could you be so ignorant? 1. Why would you go to an accident site to try to reinact it? You could have been in the same situation. 2. Were all the things the same? IE Same amount of headlights or lack there of? Was the moon at the same point in the sky or lack there of? Were all variables the same?
Posted by: Emily Location: Waco on Sep 10, 2008 at 03:49 PM
May God bless the family that passed. This was a terrible accident. I know the lady that was driving, and she is completely distraught by what happened that night. Her husband was never involved in a case like this....thats nonsense. She can't sleep, she doesn't eat, and she's been on suicide watch. She cares!!!!!!! If she DOES fall asleep, her husband says she wakes up screaming b/c she has flash backs. No one is at fault. It was an accident. Yes, we can sit back and say that she should have seen them. We can sit back and ask "why were they walking in the middle of the street at night?" But the truth is..... it was an accident. May everyone keep both families in their prayers as they travel down a long road of recovery. God Bless.
Posted by: me Location: texas on Sep 10, 2008 at 12:39 PM
To Justice you probably do not no where the accident happened and probably did not go out there
Posted by: Robin Thorp Location: Baytown on Sep 10, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I still feel all the support given by ones who care. Thank you all. My world is torn apart again and filled with so much pain and saddness.To all that new my PERFECT ANGELS!Robin
Posted by: somebody Location: texas on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:28 PM
TO dirtd what is it to you what happened ten years ago
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Waco on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:37 AM
Everyone posting should be considerate of the families affected by these deaths. Remember the words you post here could be read by there mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters...etc. There is one thing to have a say, it's anohter thing to be cruel. KWTV should not post such hurtful comments, especially in regards to such a tradgic situation. It's obvious there comments are not being submit for Approval or the person "approving" them must not have a heart.
Posted by: Lindsey Morgan Location: Waco, Tx on Sep 4, 2008 at 08:37 PM
i will miss my sister and my babies!! she was my best friend and those babies were my life. they will forever live in me!
Posted by: Susan Location: Texas on Sep 4, 2008 at 12:49 AM
I wonder if the person that hit these people will contact their families. Seems to me this is the right thing to do. I'm sure they have questions as does everyone reading this story on to why she did not see them. As a mom, I can't imagine the pain and heartache they are going through. To the families, time will heal. Hold on to those you love. May everyone reading this story remeber them an take you time while driving. God bless Gregory's and Brandee's family.
Posted by: ? on Sep 3, 2008 at 09:48 AM
dirtyd thats not true!
Posted by: dirtyd Location: Tx on Sep 3, 2008 at 03:14 AM
I was told that the husband who was supposedly riding passenger was involved in the same kind of accident about ten years ago. Can someone find out?
Posted by: KELLIE Location: WACO,TX on Sep 2, 2008 at 10:47 AM
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL INVOLVED IN THIS HORRIBLE TRAGEDY I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT THE FAMILIES ARE GOING THROUGH I AM A MOTHER AND I WOULD NEVER EVER WANT TO ENDURE THE PAIN OF LOSING A CHILD. THE ONLY THING I COULD COME UP WITH TO MAKE THE SITUATION NOT SEEM SO BAD IS THAT THANK GOD THE CHILDREN ARE WITH THEIR MOTHER AND NOT ALONE. TO ALL OF YOU WITH NEGATIVE COMMENTS KEEP THEM TO YOUR SELF NO NEED TO DISPLAY YOUR IGNORANCE!!!!!!
Posted by: Justice Location: Waco on Sep 2, 2008 at 10:46 AM
We went out at dark and sat on this so called hill and looked down. You could see our friend from a long ways away. There should have been plenty of time to stop or drive around. The driver must not have been paying attention. But only God and her know that now. I demand a investigation! This didn't need to happen!
Posted by: Joe Location: Waco on Sep 1, 2008 at 09:15 PM
You people If you can yourself a person with the negative comments about this terrible accident should be put in this same situation. Get a life!!!!
Posted by: jb Location: waco on Sep 1, 2008 at 07:38 PM
look I'm not trying to be disresepectful but walking by any kind of street you should be more on alert then anyhting
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 1, 2008 at 06:51 PM
Has anyone actually seen the accident site. There is no hill! How in the world did she not see them...Dark or not...there was plenty of time to see them before four people had to die. Unless she was doing something neglectful. It is a shame that these young people had to die. It seems to me they were doing what you should do in this situation...get out of your car, it is a prime target sitting on the side of the road. Move off the road and find help. The way the accident scene is laid out you would assume neglected on some part. However, that's not my point. Everyone drives neglectfully at some point in their lives, talking on cell phones, putting on make-up, being to involved in the conversation with a passenger, drinkinig...I could go on...I hope their deaths at least teach us to pay more attention when operating a deadly weapon. My prayers are with all involved and their families.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 1, 2008 at 11:44 AM
The negative comments are from those who do not know the situation. This is a terrible tragedy to all involved. May GOD bless all of the victims and hopefully bless the idiots writing the negative comments. They need his help as well. This could have happened anywhere not just West.
Posted by: dirty Location: tx on Aug 31, 2008 at 08:51 PM
The woman who hit them was from WEST!!! I wounder if they tested her and her husband who was also in the car (possibly driving) for alcohol????? They do make people preparing for WESTFEST to leave grounds around ten on thursday night?????
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 31, 2008 at 04:06 PM
To all of you posting disrespectful comments...may God have mercy on your stupidity and help you learn to be better people.
Posted by: mom of 3 Location: somewhere on Aug 31, 2008 at 03:43 PM
my heart goes out to the family ,this is such a tragic accident may god bless the family and the driver .all the negative comments need to be kept to ure self,grow up this isnt the time ,and who cares what color they were .....
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 31, 2008 at 08:45 AM
to natural selection low end of common sense spectrum you have some nerve to say things like this what would you do if it was you? sit on the side of the road and wait for someone to help or try to get your family somewhere safe as fast as you could? So they got to the hill at the same time the driver did this is a tragic thing that has ripped familys hearts apart and you blame lack of common sense. no one is to blame everything happens for a reason and it is beyond you or me to know what the reason. but two mothers lost their children and two daddies lost thier children and the driver has the rest of her life to live with this tradgedy. I pray for all involved and am disturbed by heartless people like you.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 31, 2008 at 08:34 AM
here is to carl and anyone else who is posting rude thoughtless comments. at 10 p.m. these young adults and children broke down on the highway and tried to call for help, however got no response due to cell phone complications therefore made the decision to not sit in the dark broke down on the side of the road with two small children. They began to walk to try to find a telephone or help from anyone that would help. They were coming onto the service road from the highway where they thought that it would be safer. I know that Marty and Brandee where smart enough not to walk in the middle of the road. Have you ever considered they were crossing it to walk on the shoulder on the other side so they could see on coming traffic? Before you speak badly of people and their decisions maybe you should know all the facts.
Posted by: Mary Location: Waco on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Carl & Me: Both of you are just stupid ediots. You both need some serious therapy.
Posted by: carl Location: right here on Aug 30, 2008 at 01:46 PM
heres a great idea: its 10pm and our car just broke down, so lets gather our young and walk down the middle of the road on the backside of a hill
Posted by: p Location: temple on Aug 30, 2008 at 12:39 PM
First off to me from central texas do you ever think about anything else beside race it does not matter what color they were I think you get off by seeing all the comments that are posted after you ignorant comments. This is a tragic accident,may god bless all, family, friends of the victims and the driver our prayers are with you..
Posted by: natural selection Location: galapagos on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:38 AM
it's horrible that the children paid the highest price for the adults being on the low end of the 'common sense' spectrum...why would they have been 'walking in the middle' of the service rd? terrible
Posted by: Lyndon Location: Waco,Texas on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:01 PM
Dated the other sister that had been killed also and my thoughts and prayers go out to their family and I can't even begin to imagine what that family is and has gone through but I hope that you will find a way to heal and I will keep you in my prayers everynight.
Posted by: Connie Location: Whitney on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:58 PM
My heart and prayers go out to all involve in this horribly tragic event. May God Bless the driver and may God keep the family of everyone involved in his loving arms.
Posted by: The Patriot Location: Texas on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Just saying is all, I hear you about I35! A couple of weekends ago I took my little grandson to SeaWorld in San Antonio. I decided to take the toll road from Georgetown and around Austin. It was a pleasant drive. I know there are alot of people who will refuse to take toll roads. But with all the construction and mess, my one and only concern was my 5 yr. old grandson's safety. To Anonymous @ 10:21 AM .... you're pathetic!
Posted by: Central Texas Mom Location: Temple on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:21 PM
My heart truly goes out to all of the families involved in this tragedy.
Posted by: Amanda Location: Raynor on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Brandee, you were such a strong mother and watching you grow so much after Jessica's death was something amazing to see. I know your family has been through so much and my heart is broken into pieces, knowing that we must go through this once again. We will miss you and you and your beautiful babies. Yall will be in my heart forever.
Posted by: someone connected on Aug 29, 2008 at 07:21 PM
As someone connected to the family, this is a tragic accident,Gregory you will forever be missed! Keep smiling up there!
Posted by: ME HATER on Aug 29, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Another racist comment from ME...get a life..miserable human
Posted by: MEEEEEEEEEEE Location: central texas on Aug 29, 2008 at 05:59 PM
ME, no matter what comes out of your mouth(or keyboard) YOU are being RACIST! I have to believe that kwtx supports your way of thinking or they wouldnt post your drivel! Maybe thats why that black anchor found a better job and got the hell out of there as fast as she could! More reputable news sources at least have a tos that posters have to abide by and they will not post hate like yours! A family tragically died here and you immediately bring race into it! How pathetic you truly are! Its a shame that in 2008 things like you still exist! I certainly hope you dont claim to be a christian but then you would hide behind that as shield for your hate!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: waco on Aug 29, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I am a friend of a friend of the victims. I cannot even begin to believe what a nightmare this must be for all parties involved. I lost my sis last year in a fire, but that is nothing compared to the heartache these people must feel. My prayers go out to them. Whoever was YOUNG and ignorant enough to post such thoughtless, cruderemarks on here( may God have their families run over and killed) and see how they feel.
Posted by: amanda oglesby Location: waco on Aug 29, 2008 at 04:44 PM
i cann't belive it they will be misses our prayers r with them and there family's..
Posted by: mbd410 Location: central texas on Aug 29, 2008 at 04:02 PM
I feel sorry for all involved...the families for losing their loved ones and for the person who hit them. Such a tragedy for all!
Posted by: Lela Location: Hillsboro on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:44 PM
My prayers are with the family of Brandee as well as her friends Mandy and Erica and her co-workers at Sonic in Hillsboro. May God bless you during this time.
Posted by: Jennifer Location: Waco on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:34 PM
I'm so sorry another tragedy has struck your family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Posted by: Disturbed on Aug 29, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Just aweful! My prayers are with their families!
Posted by: Ginger Location: Hewitt on Aug 29, 2008 at 01:49 PM
This is so sad. Austyn was cute kid.
Posted by: toosad Location: waco on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM
This is beyond sad. My prayers go out to everyone involved. I hope no one says any thing tasteless on here. This is not the time or place. This is the time for prayers only.
Posted by: Amber Kemper Location: Hillsboro on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Brandee, Austyn "bobo" and Kennzie "Kenny Cole" You will always and forever be in my heart i love and miss ya'll!
Posted by: Lori Location: Waco on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:50 AM
SUCH A SAD STORY :( May GOD Bless All Families Involved.
Posted by: Michelle Location: Central TX on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:35 AM
OMG, how sad. To the driver of the vehicle, I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow you are feeling. God will bless you with the strength to get through this difficult time...to the family of the victims, my prayers are with you. GOD bless all of you.
Posted by: Sandra Location: Temple on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Very sad for all concerned. A friend of mine was involved in a similar accident many years ago: a little boy riding his bike shot onto the road without looking or slowing down, she hit him, and he died. This horror has haunted her every day since. My thoughts and prayers go to the driver and to the familes of the driver and the victims.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Not a bad way to go..........
Posted by: shelly Location: hillsboro on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:19 AM
this is such a horrible accident! I will keep the family of Brandee Thorpe, her precious children,Gregory Howell and also Diana Mynarcik in my prayers.. this is a really sad story!
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:17 AM
I-35 from Temple to Hillsboro is the most despicable stretch of highway in the state, maybe the nation. Followed closely by the stretch from Roundrock to San Antonio. Way too much SLOW, SLOW, SLOW construction and the way the construction is set up only doubles an already bad situation.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:03 AM
oh my! how can they miss thim! my prayers goes out to the families love one! how much pain that family is going threw and the babies! went!
Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Aug 29, 2008 at 01:45 AM
Were they black? No, I'm not being "racist", believe it or not, blacks are difficult to see at night (especially if they're wearing dark clothing.)
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