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Today's News - May 3, 2007

WHS Sophomore Dies In Two-Car Collision

Waterloo firefighters wait for accident reconstructionists to arrive on the scene of a fatal accident yesterday afternoon on HH Road in Waterloo. The vehicle in which the students were driving is located in a ditch, just east of the Ford car in this picture.

Four Waterloo High School sophomores were injured in a two-vehicle, head-on collision yesterday afternoon on HH Road in rural Waterloo, one-half-mile west of Moore Road. Brittanie Holmes, 16, was pronounced dead at the scene by Monroe County Coroner Julie Gummersheimer. Injured in the accident and riding in the same vehicle as Holmes were Codie Wetzler, Kiefer Rosier and Breann Jones.

Two of the students are at Cardinal Glennon and one is at Children’s Hospital. Injuries include compound fractures, bruises and bruised lungs.

“Their conditions are listed as critical, but they are expected to survive,” said WHS Principal Todd Manning.

Waterloo faculty met with Principal Todd Manning and Superintendent Jim Helton this morning at 7:15 a.m. to discuss the situation. Teachers were advised to inform the students during the first period about the accident and let them know help is available.

“There will be counselors today stationed in the library for the students and faculty,” said Manning.

The driver of the other vehicle, whose name has not yet been released, was not injured.

“It is very sad to begin and end the school year with a fatal car wreck,” said Manning, referring to the death last summer of WHS student Chris Hebel, who died in a wreck on Route 3 on his way to football practice.

Man Arrested In Connection With Dupo Hit And Run
The Dupo Police Department arrested 45-year-old Brian Chism in connection with the hit and run death last week of Danielle Craft, reports 550 KTRS. Craft died as she was walking along Main Street in Dupo and was hit by a minivan, which police allege was driven by Chism.

He is charged with reckless homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to report an accident involving injury or death, and false reporting of vehicle theft. Police say after the accident Chism reported his van stolen. His bond is set at $1 million.

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