College student killed in I-65 accident
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 12, 2006
A Pennsylvania college student lost his life during a three-car accident on Saturday that completely shut down I-65 to southbound traffic.
State troopers said Teodoro Gomez Mercado, 25, the driver of a 1991 Jeep Cherokee, was killed in an accident that happed at approximately 10:40 a.m. between Greenville and Fort Deposit. The accident also involved a 2004 Honda and a motor home.
Jamie Gonzalez, 27, a passenger with Mercado, was also injured and was transported to L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital in Greenville.
Both were students at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.
A 12-year-old girl, Michelle George of Louisville, Kentucky, was injured as well.
George was a passenger in the Honda. She was also transported to L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Southbound traffic along I-65 was completely stopped for workers to clear the wreckage. Traffic backed-up to the Fort Deposit exit and beyond before a tow truck arrived to remove the Jeep Cherokee.
Traffic also slowed to a crawl on I-65 north.
Heavy rain showers pounded much of central Alabama on Saturday morning.
Cause of the accident is still under investigation, according to the Department of Public Safety.