Milano woman killed in accident

Submitted by Cameron1 on

A Milano woman is dead following a four-vehicle crash on US Highway 79 on Dec. 30.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the crash occurred at 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 30 killling 51-year-old Beverly Gunnels.
The vehicles involved were a 2014 GMC pickup, a 2005 Toyota pickup, a 2011 Ford Fusion sedan and a 2012 Chevrolet pickup.
The GMC was driven by Beverly Gunnels, 51, of Milano. She had three passengers, a 5-year-old and two 4-year-old children.
The Toyota was driven by Laura Durham, 25, of College Station. She was the only occupant of the Toyota.
The Ford was driven by Chelsie Tomlinson, 21, of College Station. She was the only occupant of the Ford.
The Chevrolet was driven by Brian Tomlinson, 23, of College Station. He was the only occupant of the Chevrolet. The Tomlinson’s are husband and wife.
The GMC was traveling eastbound on US 79. The Toyota was traveling westbound on US 79. The Ford was westbound on US 79 behind the Toyota. The Chevrolet was westbound on US 79 behind the Ford.
For unknown reasons, the GMC drifted to its left into the westbound lane and struck the Toyota head on. The Ford braked hard in an attempt to avoid striking the Toyota. The Chevrolet was unable to slow in time and struck the rear of the Ford causing it to strike the rear of the Toyota.
The driver of the GMC, Gunnels, was pronounced dead at the scene by Judge Rick Gommert. The three children in the GMC were transported to McLane Children’s Scott & White Hospital in Temple by medical helicopter for treatment of severe, non-life threatening injuries.
The driver of the Toyota, Laura Durham, was transported to St. Josephs Regional Hospital in Bryan by ambulance for severe, non-life threatening injuries. The drivers of the Ford and Chevrolet were uninjured.
No charges are pending.
Texas DPS would like to remind motorists to stay aware of their surroundings and drive defensively. Drivers should avoid impaired, fatigued or distracted driving. These conditions are contributing factors in a large number of our fatal crashes.