The Huntsville Item, Huntsville, TX

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August 14, 2007

Huntsville teen killed in two-vehicle crash

Robbie Byrd

A local teenager was killed in a crash early Tuesday morning when a loaded 18-wheeler slammed into the driver’s side of her car as she was crossing state Highway 19, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Brandi Lee Brown,18, a 2007 graduate of Huntsville High School, was pronounced dead at 6:50 a.m. at the scene, 3.5 miles north of the Huntsville city limits.

Brown’s 1999 Toyota Corolla was struck on the driver’s side by a 2000 Peterbilt tractor-trailer, driven by Arthur Reece Jr. of New Waverly, as she attempted to cross Highway 19.

Reece was not injured in the crash.

The 18-wheeler was loaded with logs, according to DPS officials.

According to a DPS report, Brown was stopped at Sterling Chapel Road when she attempted to cross the Highway 19 north-bound lanes of traffic, headed to the south-bound lanes. She was struck in the driver’s side by Reece’s truck.

Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3 Lloyd Roark pronounced Brown dead at the scene. Her body was taken to Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home.

DPS reports show Brown was wearing a seat belt.

Kelsey Christian, head of 4-H and youth development for the Walker County Extension office, said Brown was an outstanding young woman.

“She had such an outgoing personality, full of life and very bubbly,” Christian said.

Christian said Brown had been an active member of 4-H for eight years.

Kevin Green, an adult leader with 4-H, said Brown had a love for horses and was driven to complete college.

“I really and truly believe that horses were a huge passion for her,” Green said. “She really took good care of them. She wanted to do the (jackpot barrel racing) more, but she was very interested in going to college and getting an education. That was her number one goal.”

Green said Brown was a driven woman with a great future.

“She had a no-quit attitude and always willing to lend a helping hand if we needed,” Green said. “My heart just goes out to her family. We are definitely going to miss her.”

Christian said Brown was an asset to the 4-H and agricultural programs in the county and that she will be missed.

“It was very unexpected and we were saddened by the news,” Christian said.

Services are still pending with Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home.

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