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Fatal Accident Claims the Life of College Station Teen Save Email Print
Posted: 5:20 PM Oct 15, 2008
 Last Updated: 5:04 PM Oct 16, 2008
 Reporter: KBTX Staff
Email Address: news@kbtx.com
36 comments Photos
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Tara Lewis, 16, of College Station was killed Wednesday afternoon in an accident at the intersection of William D. Fitch and Barron Road.

College Station Police say the driver of the car that Lewis was in failed to stop at a stop sign.

A pick-up truck then plowed into the car's passenger side.

The driver of the car, 16 year old Elizabeth Pfitzer, and the driver of the pick-up, 31 year-old Jason Greer, were taken to the College Station Medical Center for treatment.

Both are listed in stable condition.
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Posted by: friend Location: cstat on Nov 9, 2008 at 01:12 AM
its been a few weeks since the accident and it still gives me the chills to think that something could happen like that. i love beth to death and to think that this happend to someone so close to me is so troubleing please everyone be safe its the most we all can go god be with us -me
Posted by: Arianna Location: College Station on Nov 6, 2008 at 04:24 PM
I am best friends with both, Tara and Beth, and I can only say how much both mean to me. Tara was a beautiful person and an amazing friend. I love her and her family very much. This was a terrible accident and I never thought this would happen to either of them. Beth is also a wonderful person. She is going to get through this. I love her dearly as well. There is NO ONE to blame for what has happened. Tara is greatly missed and thought about everyday.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 29, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Maybe some of these commentators should pray for help with their grammer, spelling and , writing skills!
Posted by: Heather Location: college station on Oct 19, 2008 at 02:33 PM
I go to ACM Consolidated and i understand the pain the school is going threw. I prey every night for the students in the accident and i knew both of them. Im sorry this had to happen, please understand the privacy of others who where in the accident . I would like to say this I loved them both and i understand the pain of what it feels like to lose a friend.
Posted by: Junior at Consol Location: CS on Oct 18, 2008 at 01:48 AM
When i walked into the school on thursday morning i just figured it'd be another day at consol. i went to class and sat in my seat. soon after an announcement was made that something had happend. one of my classmates walked in with tears in her eyes. soon after my teacher came in and she looked as though she'd been crying too. when the announcement of Tara's death was made i felt sick. i hardly knew her but my heart sank just the same; she'd been in a class of mine our freshman year. we talked once or twice.she did really well in our french class and she'd always seemed to be on top of things. I'd also had Beth in a class last year. i didn't know her well either but i'd talked to her on random days in our class. she was always joking around with some of my other classmates and it'd always make me laugh. i know that neither girls deserved this and Consol has been just waiting for things to get better since. my heart goes out to all that knew Tara and i know that she is missed dearly.
Posted by: SUPPORT NEEDED Location: BRYAN,TX on Oct 17, 2008 at 04:32 PM
I am so sorry for the loss of this young womans' life.there is nothing we can do for her now,but lets send our prayers up on be half of the driver of the car. i cannot even imagine what she is going through in her mind.all who know her need to affirm your love for her;reassure her that this was an ACCIDENT that could have happened to anyone. for the family of the deceased; may your loving memories of this beautiful young woman, and her kindness,and love of life comfort you. you are in my prayers. i have a teenage daughter, so i definitely empathize with you.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 17, 2008 at 04:19 PM
"it is EXACTLY the same scenario as Villa Maria and Hwy 47. I go through that intersection almost daily. It's VERY easy to get distracted and forget that crossing WDF is a 2-stage process. The Victoria crossover is also a fatality just waiting to happen..." It was designed that way; the Overpasses are already in the City's "2020 Traffic plan" and the nice S curves to make the crossings blind were put in just to be SURE that there are going to be enough bad accidents to justify the $10,000,000 bond that's going to be required to pay for bridges rather than the half million or so that it would have cost to make the approaches clearly visible and safe in the first place. This is the next installment of makework to keep Knife River in the black once they finish the horribly overpriced Rock Prairie and Hwy 6 and Navasota Freeway projects.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 17, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Morgan- I dont really see a problem with Bryan vs College Station rivalries in this situation so why bring it up? It seems to me everyone is offering their sympathy to those this has affected.
Posted by: Brandon Location: Plano on Oct 17, 2008 at 01:21 PM
I worked with her father, she was a very sweet girl.. Dan if you read this my heart and prayer are with ya buddy!!!
Posted by: ALA on Oct 17, 2008 at 08:17 AM
She was beautiful! How tragic, I did not have the pleasure of knowing this young lady but I will pray for her family. I know from my own personal experience that a loss like this is extremely hard to deal with. It is important to remember that the lord makes no mistakes. He called her home for a reason! God bless this beautiful girl and her family and may the lord be with you!
Posted by: VW Location: B/CS on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:53 PM
I agree with Randy's assessment of the situation: it is EXACTLY the same scenario as Villa Maria and Hwy 47. I go through that intersection almost daily. It's VERY easy to get distracted and forget that crossing WDF is a 2-stage process. The Victoria crossover is also a fatality just waiting to happen, and where Arrington will soon intersect WDF is a nightmare in the making. I've called TexDOT in the past and have found their engineers very approachable. Maybe more of us should call about this situation, so we don't lose anymore of our precious loved ones. God bless this young lady's family and give them peace.
Posted by: Krista Location: Mesa, AZ on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:32 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with the community of Bryan-College Station and especially with Tara's family and the families of Beth and Jason. God bless everyone including the students and teachers at A & M High School. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Posted by: a mom Location: Bryan on Oct 16, 2008 at 06:33 PM
I can not think of anything in life worse than the loss of a child. May God be with every one involved in this terrible accident. My deepest sympathy to Tara's parents and other members of the family. I know they are really hurting. I am so sorry.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: college station on Oct 16, 2008 at 05:16 PM
times like these we need everybody to come together.. i talked to tara for the first time ever (the day of her death) in the psat testin room.. she sat right in front of me and we started talkin.. from wat i saw in the like couple of hrs i was in there she was very full of life and was a great person all around.. like people always say. "it only happens to the best" god was lookin for another angel and he thought she was perfect.. jus remember she is in a better place now.. my prayers go out to her family and friends.. Beth is a really close friend of mine.. i pray for her every second now.. and i hope that she makes a ful recovery.. i didnt know jason greer but im not goin to leave him out.. and yall shouldnt either.. he has many friends and family that love him and they need your prayers.. so while your prayin for beth and tara family add jason and his family and friends in there.. he will greatly appriciate that..
Posted by: consol student Location: college station on Oct 16, 2008 at 05:03 PM
This is a very tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with both families. I didnt know Tara but i knew Beth a little and this is very terrible. Today at school was very devestating. Noone could concentrate. Tara will be missed terribly. and Beth get well soon girl. i know you can make it through. your a really tough girl. So once again, my heart goes out to both families.
Posted by: A Friend Location: College Station on Oct 16, 2008 at 04:53 PM
this is really really sad. I knew both of the girls and they both were very sweet and didnt deserve this. today at consol, everyone was upset. people cried and there wasnt very much goin on today. but all we gotta do is pray. pray for beth's family and for taras family. and hope they make it through this time of pain. we love you tara and beth. never forget that. you always have someone here for you ladies. we will miss you tara. and beth, get well soon. <3<3<3<3<3<3
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 16, 2008 at 03:20 PM
I don't want to point any fingers but I have been concerned about the 70 mile an hour speed limit at this intersection myself. (as well as arrington and victoria) How can we get the speed limit changed to 55? I think this would help. I don't think people realize how fast 70 miles an hour is when they are trying to CROSS OVER this Hwy. Would love to know how to get it changed.
Posted by: Heather Location: CS on Oct 16, 2008 at 03:13 PM
I don't know either girl or Jason, but my prayers are with Jason, Tara's family, and Elizabeth and her family. This was a terrible ACCIDENT. That is what it was an ACCIDENT. I hope someone who knows Elizabeth will reassure her as I am sure they are already doing. She still has many years to do a lot of good things in life for others and herself. I really hope she'll be able to forgive herself and have a happy and abundant life. As I hope Tara's family can be comforted at such a devastastating time. I hope they will be able to find joy again after such an accident. I just pray that everyone will find peace and comfort.
Posted by: bryan resident Location: bryan,tx on Oct 16, 2008 at 03:04 PM
my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to all of the families,and to the injured. accidents do happen.especially among teens.just a re- minder that we need to give full attention to the road.sometimes we are distracted by phones,food,music,etc. i'm not saying any of these things had anything to do with this;i'm saying we just need to be extra cautious when under the wheel. consol,you are in our prayers,and thoughts. we vikings share in your loss today,and we are here to support you.
Posted by: Lori Location: CS on Oct 16, 2008 at 02:38 PM
My daughter was very close to Tara and had just hugged her before she left the school. I pray for Tara's family & hope our Lord will give all those involved peace. It's so difficult to explain 'why' this happened to my grieving daughter but I pray her and all Tara's friends will keep their eyes' and hearts to heaven for answers.
Posted by: Deborah Location: College Station on Oct 16, 2008 at 01:58 PM
I live on Barron Road, and I knew someone would die when they put that stupid road through!!!It makes me sick that it was someone so young, it just makes me sick that someone else could also die. I agree the speed should be reduced and more warning signs, and I hope and pray that it will be fixed. I would also advise other routes for kids to take. I always told my kids to stay off Dowling Road after night. I am experienced and I stay away from badly lit roads, or stupid traffic intersections. I hope God provides comfort for all involved.
Posted by: Tim on Oct 16, 2008 at 01:54 PM
The speed limit on highway 40 should be dropped down to 55 or 60. People are crossing over both ways at Barron and into Castlegate. Bicyclist are using the shoulders and the highway is bordered by existing and new neighborhoods with families who are turning off and onto 40. It is way to fast for the people who live here.
Posted by: JFG Location: CS on Oct 16, 2008 at 01:29 PM
I do agree the speed limit should be dropped to 60 mph on William D. Fitch. There is really no reason for it to be 70, especially with the hopes for more development along there anyway. I rarely see people going over 60 or 65. I don't think most drivers are comfortable with that because they know the inherent dangers of the crossovers. Please, TxDOT, lower the speed limit. And put a stop light or sign at Arrington. Yield signs provide no value here. This particular accident is not the fault of roadway design but it's a recipe for disaster.
Posted by: Anne Location: Wellborn on Oct 16, 2008 at 01:10 PM
The red lights, flags, warning signs, and stop signs are very visible for travelers on Barron Rd. Drivers of any age will on occasion make errors. Unfortunately such errors can cause a fatality. In my view as someone who has lived on Barron Rd and Barron Cutoff for over 30 yrs., the problem isn't Hwy. 40 but with Barron Rd. This road has been too narrow for the traffic for years. City planners knew that subdivisions were being built and that area would have more traffic but has only recently proposed widening it. If the proposition passes it will still be another 5 to 7 yrs before it happens. Whether or not this would have helped in this instance no one can say. However, the narrowness of Barron Rd. demands diligence on the part of drivers that an inexperienced driver may be incapable of.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 16, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Randy, You put my thoughts into words exactly. I do not let my 16 year drive on or cross over 47 or 40 for the reason you described. Terrible decisions of the part of whoever is responsible for designing these roads and setting the speed limits. PS I also don't let him drive solo on highway 6 either.
Posted by: Mimi Location: CS on Oct 16, 2008 at 12:39 PM
I travel this road each day and I am amazed at how many near collisions I have seen at this intersection. Why the Barron Rd. intersection doesn't have at least flashing lights is what I've never understood. So sad!
Posted by: Ethel Location: Story Re: Tara Lewis/Accident on Oct 16, 2008 at 11:38 AM
I am Tara's Grandmother/her MayMay.I just want all of her friends to know that she cared about you. She was my sweet darling girl.Loved to laugh. Thank you for posting your comments about her. We appreciate it.
Posted by: morgan Location: Bryan on Oct 16, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Our community should use this event, and others that are sure to come, to come closer and really learn to be there for each other. I didn't know Tara, but many of my friends at church did, and they are devastated, as I am. Rivalries should be disregarded between Bryan and College Station to realize that we are all people and we all need each other in times like this...
Posted by: S Location: BRYAN on Oct 16, 2008 at 10:16 AM
This is a heart breaking story. My heart goes out too all of these families. God be with you in your difficult time. I have children and I could not imagine having to go through something like this. Failing to stop at a stop sign could happen to anybody. Everyone please be careful on roads like these remember all of our loved ones are out driving.
Posted by: Al Location: CS on Oct 16, 2008 at 10:02 AM
It was just a matter of time before something like this would happen on Hwy 40. The speed limit is 70 mph on this road and the city should consider lowering it to at least 60 mph.
Posted by: Laura Location: College Station on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:48 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with dear Tara's family, and the families of Beth Pfitzer and Jason Greer. What a sad day for the students of Consol.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: cs on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:45 AM
May God Bless all of the families, classmates, and teachers of Tara and Beth. Also, prayers to the young man in the truck.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:37 AM
My prayers thoughts and prayers are with these families. May God hold you in his arms and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Posted by: CONCERNED CITIZEN Location: College Station on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:28 AM
This happened on Wednesday not Tuesday... God Bless everyone involved. This is a horrible tradgedy
Posted by: tish Location: College Station on Oct 16, 2008 at 09:05 AM
This is so sad! Teens need to be more careful God bless both of these girls the friend is going to need major counseling I hope the family will forgive her, it was an accident and they do happen sometimes sadly causing the death of someone. God bless all in this tragedy.
Posted by: Zeta Location: College Station on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:00 PM
You never know what's going to happen in life. I love these two students. May God bless both of them. Live everyday like its your last... because this proves that you truly never know whats gonna happen next.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:57 PM
i know the girl who died and the girl who was injured. the girl who died is in my seventh period. i talked to her for the first time ever today. now there will be an empty spot at the front of the room tomorrow where she used to be. my greatest regrets for the family.
Posted by: jaason on Oct 15, 2008 at 10:37 PM
was the person jason greer?
Posted by: Randy Location: College Station on Oct 15, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Well, here we go again. Very poor TxDOT road design and speed limits. I thought they would have learned their lesson with the fatalities on 47 at Villa Maria. W.D. Fitch is exactly like 47 - a crossover with 70 MPH traffic. Today a fatality, yesterday a near fatality with a motorcyclist. The speed limit on W.D. Fitch should be immediately reduced to 55 MPH like Highway 6 South between College Station and Navasota. In addition to Baron, their is another crossover at Victoria with 70 MPH traffic and a crossover at Arrington with a YIELD sign (yesterday's accident). Moreover, the trees and foliage in the median is a great place for deer and other animals to hide before entering traffic, and it confuses drivers who frequently drive the wrong direction (they can't see the other lanes). There is no greater group of incompetents in state government than TxDOT. I wish that the individuals who did such a poor design of this road could be held personally liable for deaths and injuries.
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