Lawrence woman dies in accident
Published 5:00 am Monday, May 14, 2001
SILVER CREEK — A Lawrence County woman was killed in anautomobile accident during a family gathering Sunday afternoon ather home, authorities said.
Willie May Collins, 54, of Rabbit Road, died Sunday evening frominternal injuries after she was pinned between her carport wall anda sports utility vehicle driven by her eight-year-oldgranddaughter, said Lawrence County Sheriff Joel Thames. Theaccident happened around 5:30 p.m.
“Mrs. Collins’ son and daughter-in-law and granddaughter werevisiting with her, when the eight-year-old girl was asked to backthe vehicle out of the carport,” said Thames.
The girl’s mother, whose name was not available, climbed intothe passenger side and instructed the young girl about how to crankthe vehicle, while the girl’s father and Collins stood near thefront of the vehicle and watched, according to the sheriff’sdepartment report.
“The mother said she thought the girl had put it in reverse andtold her to give it some gas,” said Thames.
The vehicle lurched forward, pinning Collins between the walland the front of the vehicle. Collins was taken to Lawrence CountyHospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.