Texas Crash Claims Life of Beloved Bossier Educator and Her Mom

TYLER, TEXAS – A tragedy in Tyler, Texas over the weekend claims the lives of 2 Louisiana women. One of them was a beloved educator at Legacy Elementary in Bossier City.

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An 11-year-old boy who attends Benton Elementary School was also critically hurt in the wreck.

Tyler police say the accident happened on Saturday, Sept. 14 just before 8:30pm. The wreck happened at Hwy. 271 and FM 2015.

Officers responding to the scene say a pickup truck was headed south on FM 2015 and pulled out in front of a minivan headed northeast on Hwy. 271. The driver of the van, identified as 62-year-old Tammy Gibney of Louisiana and her front seat passenger, 39-year-old Chelsea Askew of Benton were pronounced dead at the scene.

Askew is a paraprofessional at Legacy Elementary and wore many hats at the school She was hired by Legacy five years ago.

Askew’s 11-year-old son was flown to a Dallas hospital and is in critical condition.

Legacy Principal Kelle Ogilvie sent out a letter to parents and staff at the school:

The driver of the truck was rushed to a Tyler hospital for treatment. Charges against him are pending. Police do suspect he was under the influence.

Eyewitnesses say the mini van was forced off the roadway and down an embankment.

Grief counselors will be on hand this week at Legacy Elementary to help the students and staff deal with this tragedy.