GhLinks Media
An unfortunate incident led to the demise of Elizabeth Ann Atkinson, a 47-year-old mother from Alabama, while she was on a trip with her family and friends.
The incident occurred when she was hit by a vehicle while trying to retrieve luggage that had fallen from the car they were traveling in.
Details of the Incident
Daphne Police Department’s chief, Brian Gulsby, disclosed that Atkinson, accompanied by her two daughters and two friends, was on a “girls’ vacation” when the tragedy unfolded.
Atkinson had been trying to “retrieve spilled luggage” while the group rode on State Hwy 181 near Rigsby Road around 6:18 a.m. Moments later, “at 6:25 a second call was received reporting a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle in the same vicinity,” Gulsby said in a release.
Atkinson died at the scene.
The city of Daphne is about 13 miles southeast of Mobile, along Mobile Bay.
During a preliminary investigation, the police department was able to rule out certain factors that could have contributed to the fatality.
“Neither alcohol nor excessive speed is believed to have played a role in this incident,” they said.
An event data recorder from the vehicle that struck Atkinson was traveling in helped authorities to confirm that it did not exceed the posted speed limit.
Speaking with Mobile’s Fox10 News, Capt. Reginald Ardis 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.”
According to the Miami Herald, Atkinson’s two daughters were students at Bayside Academy. The school is currently on break until Jan. 8 following the new year holiday.
Bayside shared tributes to the family on its social media platforms.
“It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the recent passing of Bayside parent, Elizabeth Atkinson,” the academy began in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
