Normally I try to write about the happy side of life, sports. However this entry is different. If you don’t want to be down or depressed skip this entry. You have been warned.
UPDATE: I have added some links to the bottom of this post
I have also pushed this to the top of the queue.
UPDATE: State to fix Hwy 71, finally
Teen Wreck Victims, Pals, Athletes
from left: Kathryn Powers, Audrey Ducote, Lauren Hoffman played
golf for Austin High School (TX)
Kathryn Powers was turning seventeen. Her friends and golf teammates wanted to celebrate. Kathryn, Audrey Ducote, Lauren Hoffman, Katherine Singleton, and Amy Wright — Powers’ Step-mom — were heading to a Llano ranch on Highway 71, when a truck Hydroplaned out of control and struck their vehicle.
click for larger — Kelly West/American-Statesman
Hoffman and Ducote died at the scene. Powers, Wright, and Singleton are in critical condition at UMC/Brackenridge in Austin.
Ducote and Hoffman were not wearing seat belts, DPS spokesman Kevin Byers said.
Tammy Goodman of Marble Falls was driving the pickup truck, and is in fair condition. Her 7 year old son is in undetermined condition. Goodman’s older son, Randal Hilber, 16, died at the scene. They were heading to Cabela’s in Buda. Hilber was a two sport athlete at Marble Falls High, playing baseball and football.
The Austin High School community is reeling. The four girls not only played sports together, but studied together. Hoffman had transferred from Waco , and was said to have made friends quickly. She took up golf to be with her friends. Ducote was the Golf Team Captain. Singleton was considered an outstanding soccer talent.
Both Powers and Ducote ware Young Life members.
Location of the accident:
For those wondering about the traveling distances. It is not uncommon for those living in Texas to travel across counties to go to stores, attend events, or just visit someone.
Austin High School is in Downtown Austin Texas.
Why am I covering what is essentially a local story? Well I graduated form William B. Travis (Austin) High School . I have many friends who went to Austin High. I also played Golf in High School.
Hwy 71 can at times be a difficult drive. Seems some have voiced concerns that were not headed.
Over the past year, residents and elected officials have raised concerns about safety along the stretch of Highway 71 where Saturday’s wreck occurred. There have been multiple fatal wrecks on the portion of the highway that winds from the Village of Bee Cave to the western edge of Travis County. A wreck last June killed three Round Rock educators.
This just sucks. It makes you sit up and consider how precious life is truly.
UPDATE:
Hoffman was buried on Monday February 18, 2008; Ducote was buried today February 20, 2008.
- Teens Mourned at Austin and Marble Falls High
- More teens dying
- Now some action on Hwy 71 - Guess three teens dying was finally the last straw.
- Students Mourn Loss
“[Audrey] was a really good person, really funny,” Ducote’s friend, Marissa Riland said. “I just don’t think it’s fair. But like my mom said, I know she’s in a better place now.”
Tags: Kathryn Powers, Audrey Ducote, Lauren Hoffman, Amy Wright, Tammy Goodman, Randal Hilber, austin high school, golf, highway 71
2 comments ↓
The girls were also the Boys Soccer teams biggest fans attending most games. They were great friends and will be missed.
Thanks for the update.
I hope the entire Austin High and Marble Falls High Communities the best. This sucks.
When I was in High School my Math Teacher was killed in a motorcycle accident. It’s odd to come to school and think you will never see that person again. Makes you realize that life is VERY short in deed.
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