Victims Of Late-Night Accident Identified
Victims Of Late-Night Accident Identified Save Email Print
Reporter: By Paul J. Gately
Email Address: paul.gately@kwtx.com

A | A | A

(November 16, 2008)--A one-car crash late Saturday night just north of Gatesville on State Highway 36 killed one teenager and severely injured another.

Jessica McGehee, 16, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident about 10:30 p.m. Saturday.

Kodi Lee Hitt, 17, of Gatesville was in critical condition Sunday at Scott & White Hospital in
Temple.

Hitt was the driver of the pickup truck in which the two teenagers were riding.

She was thrown from the truck and the first crews to arrive at the scene found her wedged under the vehicle on the driver’s side.

McGehee was found dead inside the truck.

First responders and emergency medical personnel from Coryell Memorial Hospital attended to Hitt, while the crews waited on the arrival of a Stat Air medical helicopter in which the teenager was flown to Scott & White.

Investigators say the truck in which the teens were riding was northbound on Highway 36 when it drifted out of its lane.

The driver overcorrected and the truck veered off the west side of the road.

In an attempt to right the vehicle, the driver overcorrected for a second time, causing the truck to roll three times.

The truck came to rest on the east side of the roadway facing in a southbound direction at a wide curve in the highway.

Traffic in both directions was shut down as the helicopter touched down, and it remained closed as officers and firefighters cleared the wreckage.

Debris was strewn along both sides of the highway for several hundred yards.

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Posted by: chelsea summers Location: gatesville on Mar 30, 2009 at 11:51 PM
right on kodi. i love you girl. no on eknows the real story BUT KODI none of yall can have anything to say on how the reason they came to be just because they didnt have a bruise in one certain spot. its redicouls how yall just com in here look this up and mourn over how irresponsible us "teens" are you were once there and you know how it feels so have some sympathy for gods sake. these two girls are totally amazing and jessica i love you girl you'll never realize how much i miss having you to keep us in line at work. :) and i know your still haunting daniel cause you said you would forever and well i just miss hearing all your crazy stories about you and alex... he misses you so much. and kodi im so glad your walking again and im proud to say that your my best friend and you couldnt be doing any better than you are now! and too all the people out there everyone of yall should be glad for what you have because ou never really know just how great things are until their gone. -chelsea

Posted by: Kodi Hitt Location: Gatesville on Dec 31, 2008 at 01:46 PM
I Will Always Miss Jessica...and I'll NEVER forget the wreck. I pray for her and her family everyday i am very close to cody and marsha and we're helpin each other though thanks for all the prayers and the ppl who stood up for us...we were wearing our seatbelts and i was not thrown from the truck it was a freak accident on a dangerous corner where many wrecks have happened Love you Jessica

Posted by: Laynie Location: Gatesville on Nov 22, 2008 at 08:09 PM
They were wearind seat belts i talked to kodi thursday. and to anonymos, 16th, 12:22. Just keep to your self. alot less people will hate you that way. You don't say something like that to a grieving family and expect to get away with it. signing anonymos was a real couragous way to go as well. If you want to put you two cents in, do it in a kinder way and yes i did put my name up there just for you. For Jessica's family, i have you in my prayers and hope for the better days to come soon.

Posted by: g'ville mom Location: gatesville on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:47 PM
I was saying it is HARD to have seat belt bruises, if as suggested by others, the girls werent wearing seatbelts!!

Posted by: member of her family Location: Gatesville on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:03 PM
To the resident of gatesville, I hate to say that you are the one who is bringing in the color of a person's skin. Jessica was very much a southern girl, and all about her rebel flags. She was by no means a racist, GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT ABOUT HER AND HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS BEFORE YOU PASS JUDGEMENT ABOUT SOMETHING YOU HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT!!! You should be very thankful that you did not bury a child, count your lucky stars!!! Jessica was all about her southerness and she was proud to be a redneck! The rebel flag reflected to her, all about her being proud she was from the south, and I hate to let you know that the civil war ended over 100 years ago. Let's not play the racial card on a girl or her family that has all races in her family...

Posted by: Tara Location: Stafford, VA on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:39 PM
To all who are effected by this tradgedy, I am praying for you. I want you to know Kodi, I know you are a great girl with a big heart. I am so sorry that you are learning such a difficult lesson. To Jessica and family I am so sorry for your loss. May all the outpouring of support comfort you through this trying time.

Posted by: resident Location: gatesville on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Though the loss of a child is a tragedy, the way the some of the adult "mourners" acted after the funeral yesterday was also a tragedy. Sqealing tires, "doughnuts" in the middle of the highway, "racking" pipes off. What kind of example is this for the children in our community. Rebel flags as if this was a racial mattter. There were clack people in the community that cared about Jessica also, and the "waving" of the rebel flag is offensive. I can not sya how I would act if one of my children passed away, but I can say I would not be assine and set a bad example for the other children in the community!

Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:33 AM
"g'ville mom". Bruising FROM the seatbelt is common. tell me how bad the bruises would be if she WERENT wearing it...

Posted by: Anonymous Location: gatesville on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:18 PM
our prayers go out to both families and the children of gatesville high, we pray for strenght so that they can get through this awful time. god bless

Posted by: Malissa Location: Jonesboro on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:08 PM
I would like to tell Richard McGehee and Marsha McGehee how horrible I feel about the loss of their daughter. Your family is in our prayers. I pray that God will place his hands on your family and help you to be able to cope with your loss. If you need me just call. I love all of you.

Posted by: g'ville mom Location: g'ville on Nov 18, 2008 at 02:01 PM
To William..how do you KNOW laws were broke? How do you know they werent wearing seatbelts? For me looking at the video of the driver side of the truck, the seat belt is hanging , only part of it is there. It LOOKS to be broke to me. Reports I have heard locally state Kodi has very serios bruising FROM the seat belt. Sooo As for putting the truck on a trailer and drugging it from school to school, We here in Gatesville have lost atleast 9 kids in the last few years 7 of those to some from of vehicle accident.It is sad and hurts us all to the bottom of our soul. So please people do not pass judgement, pray for us, love your own children hug them and let them know how important they are. Sitting in judgement of a family that is devastated aand a community that is hurting isnt gonna help.

Posted by: someone Location: gatesville on Nov 18, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Jessica was a great friend. cant believe shes gone. Jessica you will be greatly missed and we all love you.

Posted by: Yep Location: Cove on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:34 AM
Such a tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the families. And for those who dont like what some have posted. I think there was one post that said somthing negative and several that called him on it. If NO one had responded to it it would have remained a pathetic little footnote on all these posts. It matters not what you say, that type of person will always post stupid stuff like that. Dont encourage him.

Posted by: william Location: waco on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:19 AM
To Anoymous, stricter laws for teens? Laws were broken as it is and it still happened. Speeding and seat belts for one and two. Not more laws but more education. Put that truck on a flatbed trailer and haul it from school to school and show and tell kids what can happen to them, even though they are bullet proof. If nothing else PARENTS tell your kids to wear seat belts, if you catch them not using them don't just laugh it off, take the keys for a couple of weeks, you'll be surprised how the belts are less of a pain than the pain in their feet from walking. It's your kids, take control, raise them. Take what I said and throw in a large amount of luck and everything should be alright.

Posted by: Sherie Sarah Location: Gatesville on Nov 17, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Jessica im gonna miss you very much no more tumbling towers no more playing hits with you no more seeing you smile. but god he is lucky to have you home and he is great. you will be missed terribly. Kodi girly I hope you get better I cant wait to see you again. please no one blame yourselves things happen. She is in abetter place Kodi I will go visit you soon... 12:12 you don't know Kodi she is a great girl loving caring and VERY responisble... both families are in my prayers. Jess our chirstmas choir concert goes to you. Kodi we hope to see you soon!

Posted by: Gatesville Firefighter Location: Gatesville on Nov 17, 2008 at 10:28 PM
To all out there that think that this is a case of irresponsible driving, or if it was alcohol involved the answer is NO. I was on the scene of the accident shortly after it happened. This was clearly a freak accident in which all of this community are dealing with. To everybodyelse who is offering prays, we are all thankful for you.

Posted by: David Taylor Location: Grand Junction, Colorado on Nov 17, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Kodie, i wish none of this would have happened, i know sometimes you and jessica would be so mad at each other and i was just the middle man and i really couldn't pick a side, you guys really worked it out later on. I miss you sooo much, i am coming down there for spring break, so get ready, i pray for you to make it through your surgeries and i BETTER see YOU when i come down there!!! i love you. i wish now that i wouldn't have moved! my number is 970-261-7275, don't be a stranger, you too Charla.I miss you guys soo much. Charla, you are still like a second mom to me, i wanna see you too when i come down, keep in touch. Love always, David.

Posted by: David Taylor Location: Grand Junction, Co on Nov 17, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Jessica I love you so much. Remember the many times we would bust a road trip?? or when you came over and corey currence was trying to do the soldier boy drunk?? Ah, great times. lol. You made me laugh sooo many times, you were there for everything i went through, like the time my aunt yelled at me for driving and we both kinda looked at her an laughed. When ever god needs me you can guarantee that we will have more times like those!! I love you!!!

Posted by: Heather Location: Waco on Nov 17, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Anon @ 12:22: what a coward you are! To the family and friends: Please know that people you have never met are thinking and praying for peace for your family. It hurts this whole community. God bless.

Posted by: Renee Location: Belton Tx on Nov 17, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Anon @ 12:22 You are an insensitive person. I am pretty sure you were not there. I am pretty sure you were not investigating the accident? What gives you the right to judge these girls. I do not know the girls or the family. I am on the outside looking in. I do not know what happened,and it is not my place to make that assumption. I pray for the families. One lost their daughter and the other is praying for theirs to survive. Everyone has said nice things but you. Shame on you for that.

Posted by: Tasha Location: Gatesville on Nov 17, 2008 at 03:23 PM
I love you Kodi Lee! you are a great girl. Jessica we will always remember you forever and always.You always put a smile on everyones face! we will always love you girly!

Posted by: Aunt Carla Location: Gatesville on Nov 17, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Visitation for my niece is 6pm-8pm tonight at the Gatesville Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at the Coryell Community Church of Gatesville at 10am Tuesday. Thank you for all of the love and prayers that are being sent our way. Jessica was very much loved by her friends, family, and community. We all will miss her. Thank you to South Side Sales of Gatesville for the donation of Jessica's casket flowers, We greatly appreciate it... Again to the Hitt family, our prayers are will you as well, we only hope that Kodi will make a full recovery.

Posted by: Meagan Heimbuck Location: Gatesville on Nov 17, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Jessica and Kodi are very good friends of mine and it kills me to think that Jessie is gone. I really hope that Kodi comes through her surgeries well and that she doesn't blame herself for what happened. : [ I love you, Jessica. With all my heart and soul. You will be greatly missed. Kodi, I love you so much. <33

Posted by: judy Location: gatesville on Nov 17, 2008 at 11:10 AM
to anonymous who posted on the 16th at 12:22.the girls where not drinking-the police report states that they did not have anything to drink.the age of the driver is not what caused the wreck,it was not the drivers fault.you have no right to say a thing unless you are family or in the truck at the time.my family lost a very special member on that road,my heart goes at to the driver i hope she will be ok.we will miss you jessie.lots of love j

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 17, 2008 at 10:35 AM
all i want to know did you know these little girls, how in the world can you open your mouth to say such a thing. was you in the pick up when it happened did you smell her breath did you see her take a drink/ so what you need to set back look in the mirrow and worry about your kids, yes one family is greaving but it was a accident and GOD needed her, now shes a beatiful angel now. and the other girl even though it was not her fault she will live with this the rest of her life. that is what is so sad i hope both families are ok. mr and mrs hitt im so sorry for stupid people.mr and mrs mghee jessica is with her loving grandma and you know shes taking care of her. love and GOD bless both families

Posted by: RICKY, CHARLA Location: GATESVILLE on Nov 17, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Jessica was a light that shined in everyones life she touched.She will be greately missed, she was loved by many. To the Hitt family we wish nothing but an absoulte recovery for Kodi we new her too. As for Jessica the one thing you could say is that SHE LIVED LIFE we love you Butterball Turkey love mom and dad

Posted by: Brenda and David Taylor Location: Colorado on Nov 17, 2008 at 10:23 AM
My prayers go out to both families in this time of sorrow. May God bless and keep you in his light while you get through this hard time. Jessi we will miss your smiling face and the will remember the fun we had when you would come visit while we still lived in Gatesville. Kodi, we wish you well and may the Lord watch over you in your time of recovery. Charla, my prayers are with you girl, I miss you all and wish we could be there for you. If you would like to contact me just ask Jeni(cashier) at work for my number. Our prayers are with both families and we send our love.

Posted by: Brittany Location: West on Nov 17, 2008 at 09:31 AM
"Then he who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air and so we shall all be with the Lord" Thessaionians I pray for the families of both Jessica and Kodi! Jessica will be missed greatly! Get well soon Kodi LOVE BOTH OF YA'LL!!

Posted by: The Matoska Family Location: Gatesville on Nov 17, 2008 at 09:27 AM
My three children knew both girls, although I did not. This is such a tragedy. Our thoughts, hearts and prayers go out to both families and all their friends and loved ones. Sometimes in life things happen that we do not understand, this is one of them. But, as long as you keep Jessica in your heart she will always be with you. And, Kodi, stay strong and get well. To both families, everyone is here for you should you need us, even if its just to give you a shoulder to cry on or an ear for you to vent to. Hugs and prayers to all.

Posted by: Amanda Greene Location: Beeville on Nov 17, 2008 at 09:00 AM
To Marsha and Ricky, I am so very sorry to hear about Jessi. I love her so much and will miss even more. I'll try to come home asap. I didn't know Jessi's friend but my heart goes out to the family. I love and miss you all... Love Trudy

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 17, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Such a tragic way to lose a loved one. Our hearts r heavy with your loss. Didn't know her at all. Just wanted to pay respect to such a young life. To the family, during you this tragedy. It will be a long hard road ahead. Just remember all the laughs you shared. Keep her memories alive, and prayer. Once again, we are sorry for your loss.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 17, 2008 at 07:40 AM
My heart goes out to both the families. I pray that Kodi has strength to go through life with what she has hanging over her, even though it was an accident. I pray for Jessica's family, that they may get through this hard time. I know they are strong people, however, at a moment like this, everyone is vulnerable. May God bless and keep both families safe and be with them. God Bless!!! Ginger

Posted by: Mel Location: Kuwait on Nov 17, 2008 at 01:41 AM
God Bless Both Families: Jessica McGehee ~ Beautiful, Sweet, Funny, Friendly, Happy, Respectful all this words and more describe the Jessica I knew. Although I only knew her briefly, she will be missed. Our thoughts and prays are with you and your family. To the family of Kodi, I don’t know her. But as word of encouragement, be blessed and be thankful. My son (17 at the time) rolled his car almost a year ago coming home from prom in Evant. When looking at the news video it was like looking at a replay. We were bless he walked away with only scratches. He was being watched over that night. I know we what to know all the answers of how and why this could happen. Just be thankful. And help Kodi thru the tragedy of a friend lost, she will need your love and support more than ever. Get well soon!!

Posted by: Mel Location: Kuwait on Nov 17, 2008 at 01:39 AM
To the Cold and Heartless-Need not respond. These families have had a terrible tragedy already, and to read something so Heartless is just disrespectful. Why say anything at all if you can’t say something of good nature? Most likely you knew neither of these girls. So WHY comment? No matter the circumstances. You only see what you want to see, so see it as you may and keep it to yourself. I don’t really like posting on these things but after reading and seeing that some people have no compassion. I just want to say unless you have first hand knowledge that would be helpful, then no one wants to know your opinion. Because it is just that an opinion and we all know what those are like .

Posted by: Aunt Carla Location: Gatesville on Nov 17, 2008 at 01:10 AM
My dear Jessie, I wish this wasn't true, I wish you were still coming over for Thanksgiving. I keep hoping this is just a bad dream, but it's not. To the Hitt family, I hope Kodi will make it, it hurts sooo bad to loose someone this young and so full of life. Jessie WAS wearing her seatbelt so said the JOP. My little redneck is now My little redneck angel. I hope you are walking with Nelda right now, I love you, and will miss you terribly.

Posted by: lonewolf on Nov 17, 2008 at 12:42 AM
to anonymous get ur facts straight not all teens are bad drivers and not all drink i was there i know

Posted by: anonymous Location: Austin on Nov 16, 2008 at 10:56 PM
I also wonder if a deer ran across the road and the response was to try to miss and lost control. There are so many deer around that area this time of year. What does aomeone do if that is the case? So dangerous. My prayers go out to both families. Too young.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Gatesville on Nov 16, 2008 at 10:39 PM
To Ananonymous: These were NOT irresponsible teenagers and she was NOT drunk. Use a little sensitivity, please.

Posted by: Kaleigh Anne Location: Gaetsville on Nov 16, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I cant believe we have lost yet another teenager n gville. It seems like it never ends,as soon as we heal from one we are faced with another. I wasn't close to either of them but my prayers and thoughts r with the familys. To the people who are making assumptions...Kodi was NOT drunk. It was an accident and nothing more. But to get on here and say things like that is only going to start rumors that are very UNTRUE...plz remember that the families of these CHILDREN read this stuff therefore we should all be respectful. The important thing to remember is this...as a community we need to pull together yet again and support the families and friends involved. Its a tragedy to say the least. "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose" Rmns8:28 There is nothing I can say that will ease the pain and I wont try, but know that Jess is n a much better place without fear n pain, and kodi will be ok!

Posted by: Samantha Urive Location: use to livr in gatesville on Nov 16, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Omg Jessica!! I cant believe this is really true!! I remember when we use to make each other laugh in Choir!! U always use to cheer me up when me and armando were fightin!! It feels like a dream!! Im gunna miss you girl..I cant get your face outta my head..you always had a smile on your face!! love you so much!! God has a beautilful angel now!!! Kodi..i never talked to you but i wish you well...you're in my prayers!! i knew who you were though!! My love goes out to Jessicas family..Especially you Cody..

Posted by: Ann Paulson Location: Meridian on Nov 16, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Jessica was a lovely girl and will be missed by all. Hope the Hitt girl is doing fine as this will be hard for her. God bless both families and especially Ricky, Charla, the boys and Jessica's mother. Only God knows why these things happen.

Posted by: Anoymous Location: waco on Nov 16, 2008 at 08:51 PM
My prayers go out to both families.i knew the girls and they were both amazing people.This is certainly a tradegy for Gatesville High and the community. God Bless and ya'll will be in my thoughts everyday.

Posted by: Jan Location: Gatesville on Nov 16, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Jessica, You were a great community service student. The class, the community and I will miss you.

Posted by: cmhs Location: gatesville on Nov 16, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Kodi we hope everything is going good for you and your family!! You and the McGehee family is in our thoughts and prayers we love you KODI HITT

Posted by: Anon Location: Waco on Nov 16, 2008 at 04:37 PM
What a tragedy. Both families will be in my prayers. I hope the girl that lived will be okay.

Posted by: andrea Location: gatesville on Nov 16, 2008 at 04:09 PM
this was a very bad thing to wake up to,i was told right as soon as i woke up and have been crying since, jessica we love you and miss you terribly and kodi stay strong plz, we all are praying for you two

Posted by: ALICE Location: GATESVILLE on Nov 16, 2008 at 03:37 PM
MY NIECE JESSICA WILL BE MISSED BY EVERYONE THAT KNEW HER. JESSICA WAS SMART AND KIND-HEARTED. PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR FAMILY AND ALL OF JESSICA FRIENDS. WE ARE PRAYING FOR KODI RECOVERY . BLESS BE

Posted by: Aunt Kim Location: Gatesville,Tx on Nov 16, 2008 at 02:35 PM
I am so glad I got to hug her on Friday night and tell her I loved her. We should never miss an opportunity to tell others how we feel. You will be missed Jess.

Posted by: bj Location: bell co on Nov 16, 2008 at 01:44 PM
May the Dear LORD bless both these families

Posted by: Walter on Nov 16, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Looks to be a Ford pickup and a rollover. The story was a bit absent of info. Maybe the driver was trying to miss a deer crossing the road being late night. Appears that they were not wearing seat belts.

Posted by: kari Location: gatesville on Nov 16, 2008 at 01:01 PM
i worked with jessica and she was the light of my work. she would make jokes and make everyone in the room smile. she was a great friend and i already miss her terribly.

Posted by: Ananonymos on Nov 16, 2008 at 12:22 PM
This is why teenagers need stricter driving laws and curfews. Due to the actions of an irresponsible kid another family has to greive. Driver was probably drunk.

Posted by: Michelle Location: Central TX on Nov 16, 2008 at 12:20 PM
My prayers will be uplifting the families/friends during this difficult time...

Posted by: C Location: Gatesville on Nov 16, 2008 at 11:51 AM
This is a tragedy for all involved but what has happened to showing restraint in WHAT you air. The picture of this truck was aired prior to the passengers family being informed of the accident. The family saw the picture of the truck and tried to contact their daughter by phone.

Posted by: ME Location: Gatesville, Tx on Nov 16, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Jessica, you will be loved && missed by EVERYONE!!! Kodi, keep strong && get better, hope your surgery went fine!

Posted by: Mandy Location: G'Ville on Nov 16, 2008 at 06:36 AM
This is a tragedy! My prayers go out to the families on both sides. God Bless!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 16, 2008 at 05:25 AM
She will be greatly missed.....

Posted by: Samantha Location: Gatesville on Nov 16, 2008 at 12:32 AM
I will miss you very much girly! at least your in a vey good place. i wish you would have been around i wanted you to be in my wedding :( ill miss you

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