Driver Says Dark Road Played Role In Frisco Crash
FRISCO (CBSDFW.COM) - Nine-year-old Macie Hooten died Wednesday night when a tow truck driver slammed into her family's stalled car. It happened on the Hwy 121 service road between Spring Creek Parkway and Plano Parkway in Frisco.
Some who've driven on that road say it's dark and dangerous. The tow truck driver who hit them said it was so dark, he didn't see the family's car until it was too late.
"All of a sudden I saw that car and there was no lights whatsoever. It was so dark, completely dark," Reza Sheybem said.
Reza Sheybem, known as Ray, has been driving a tow truck for the Dadash towing company for about year. He was a long haul driver before that. Sheybem switched jobs to spend more time with his family. He's a father to four boys. Three are on their own. He's got a 12-year-old at home.
Sheybem explained how he ran into the back of the Hooten's car. "Because car was in the center lane and completely stop. No lights. No nothing. No city lights. No hazard lights from car," he said.
Inside the vehicle was a mother and two daughters ages 12 and 9. The younger one, Maci, died. "But, I never plan for that," Shebem said. Suddenly, choked with emotion, he begins to cry.
Qiang Wao, said he drove by the accident moments later. "When I pass by the ambulance and the police, they were not there yet," Wao recalls.
Staying at a nearby hotel the past four weeks, Yao said didn't believe it was too dark. "It is dark at 9:30, but it should not cause something like this. I don't think so," Yao said.
Another hotel guest who heard the sirens disagrees. "Yeah, it's definitely dark," Pearly Hadziomerovic said.
The posted speed limit is 55. "That probably wouldn't be enough to brake on time if she didn't have lights on at all warning lights," Hadziomerovic said.
In their immediate investigation, police said the tow truck driver was not speeding and not intoxicated. "I just feel really sorry for the family," Yao said.
The city of Frisco said based on TxDOT criteria, it's not required to put lights on service roads. They are planning to put lights here in a big future project when they can get the money for it.
Macie's sister, Violet, posted a comment earlier today on CBSDFW.com. It says, "Thank you for your prayers. I'm okay. I had a slight concussion. Thank you. I love you Macie, Always."
