Tragedy struck an Alabama family when a mom was hit and killed by a car while trying to retrieve luggage that had fallen from the car she was traveling in with her family. Elizabeth Ann Atkinson was on a girls' vacation with her daughters and two friends when she was killed last week, as reported by USA Today.
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Around 6:18 a.m. on State Hwy 181, Atkinson was trying to "retrieve spilled luggage" that had fallen from their car. Minutes later, "at 6:25 a second call was received reporting a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle in the same vicinity," Brian Gulsby, chief of the Daphne Police Department, said in a release. Atkinson died at the scene.
"Neither alcohol nor excessive speed is believed to have played a role in this incident," the police said.
"We believe the back hatch of the truck came open and a piece of luggage fell out and came open on the highway and scattered clothing which she stopped and tried to pick up… along with another family member," Capt. Reginald Ardis told Mobile's Fox10 News.
Bayside Academy, where Atkinson's two daughters go to school, shared the news of her death on social media.
"It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the recent passing of Bayside parent Elizabeth Atkinson," the school wrote in a post shared on both Facebook and Instagram. "On behalf of the administration and our school, we offer our deepest condolences to the Atkinson family. Our love and prayers are extended to Elizabeth’s husband, Russell, and their daughters, Emma (Class of 2024) and Ally (Class of 2026.) A prayer service will be held in Elizabeth’s honor tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. We will congregate on the Bluff to collectively grieve this sudden tragedy and offer our support to the family."
The day of the prayer service, the school shared pictures from the event on their Instagram story, according to People. They showed dozens of people from the school community who came together to celebrate Atkinson and support her family.
"The clouds parted and the sun came out. Let us continue to pray for the Atkinson family," the school wrote in the caption.
