Loretto Mourns 2 Students Killed In Crash

[Butchie]

Residents in Lawrence County are mourning the deaths of two teenage girls.

Loretto teens Tanna Pesnell and Rianna Watson, both 17, as well as 28-year-old Lloyd Bentley and 32-year-old James Race of Lawrenceburg died in the accidents.

The first crash occurred about 6 p.m. Wednesday as Watson was driving a GMC Envoy west on Old Florence Pulaski Highway in Leoma with Pesnell, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol report.

The report said the Envoy crossed the center line and collided head-on with a box truck hauling dog food driven by Brentley Cheek, 41, Leoma. Cheek was not injured.

Watson died at the scene, the report said. Pesnell was transported by Lifeflight to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she remained in critical condition and ultimately died from her injuries Thursday afternoon, according to THP spokeswoman Dalya Qualls.

WLX-FM radio posted on its Facebook page Thursday that Loretto High School would open at 10 a.m. for students to gather in light of the accidents. A request for comment from the school was not immediately answered

[viking_fan]

Pure speculation and an unwarranted comment IMO.

I agree.

[rkw38]

Thoughts and prayers go out for the victims and those left behind.

[Southtowner]

Having a teenage daughter learning to drive this is one of my greatest fears.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their family and friends.

[pujo]

Or suffered a catastrophic medical condition & lost consciousness for all we know. Slim I know being an jerk is your "thing" but this is low even for you. Try leaving the "cuteness" to other topics please.

 

Prayers for all the involved families & friends.

My feelings exactly, prayers from Roan Mt.

[91LANDERS]

As a father of a 16 year old driver, I fear this and remind him of the danger and responsibility of driving daily. Prayers and condolences sent out from Roan Mtn.

[RedTang]

Tanna was just crowned the 2012 Football Homecoming queen a couple weeks ago and had many close friends on the Lortto Football team as I am sure Rianna did as well. Many people were greatly affected by their loss and they will be missed.

[orngnblk]

As a father of a 16 year old driver, I fear this and remind him of the danger and responsibility of driving daily. Prayers and condolences sent out from Roan Mtn.

I have a young 16 yr old also.Prayers from GB!

[TheWoodMan]

This was horrible news. Thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends.

[Pcviking2010]

sorry for your loss...will be praying

[12thmanGCA]

GCA RAM fans sympathy and prayers go out

Awful heartache and loss to endure

[Redrage1990]

Prayers from Adamsville!