Teen driver thrown from car during morning crash in West Alabama found dead on I-20/59 hours later
By Carol Robinson | crobinson@al.com
Tuscaloosa County, AL
The body of a car crash victim discovered on the side of Interstate 20/59 in Tuscaloosa County today has been identified as a University of West Alabama student and cheerleader.
Alabama State Troopers tonight identified that teen as 19-year-old Bethany Joyce Harris. They determined she was the driver of 2007 Scion TC that crashed about about 7:45 a.m. near mile marker 68 which is close to the Joe Mallisham Parkway Exit.
Trooper Reginal King said Harris left the roadway and struck an embankment before striking a tree. He said investigators found the wreckage this morning, but suspected at the time driver had fled the scene.
Instead, King said, troopers later determined Harris, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the vehicle into a wooded area. Her body was discovered at 2:30 p.m.
The crash remains under investigation.
Family members had been searching for her throughout the day, before they learned of the crash and her identity. She reportedly was last heard from Monday night, and was on her way home to Empire from Mississippi. The University of West Alabama issued this statement tonight:
"The University of West Alabama has been informed that UWA student Bethany Harris was killed in an automobile accident on the night of Monday, Dec. 28. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and we express our sincere condolences to Bethany's family. She has many friends at UWA and will be greatly missed by the campus community, throughout which she was known and will be remembered for her dedication in the classroom and on the sidelines of Tiger athletics as a cheerleader. She was also very active in Greek life on campus. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bethany's family and close friends during this devastating time.
UWA takes pride in the sense of family that lives throughout the campus community, and Bethany's untimely death is a tragic reminder of the family bonds that are forged throughout the University.
UWA students, faculty, and staff will be notified of funeral or memorial arrangements when they are available.
UWA Counseling will offer its services to UWA students, faculty, and staff to cope with grief and other psychological issues stemming from this tragedy."