High school youth killed in car accident

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LCNN - 10-12-2009 at 09:34 PM

Wreck Claims Life of RCHS Junior, Seriously Injures Another On Final Day of Fall Break - A one vehicle wreck this morning near the Eli community in eastern Russell County claimed the life of a RCHS Junior and seriously injured another. Russell County Coroner Larry Skaggs told WJRS NEWS that 17 year old Travis R. Popplewell of Russell Springs was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash which occured one-half mile north of Eli on Ky. 76 at 10:45 a.m. Popplewell was a passenger in a 2003 Ford Focus being driven by his friend, Brently R. Frost, also 17 years of age from Russell Springs. According to a report filed by KSP Trooper John Barnett, Frost reportedly lost control of his vehicle in a curve, it left the roadway and struck a tree. Frost was airlifted from the scene, flown to the U.K. Medical Center in Lexington where at last report he is listed in serious condition. Coroner Skaggs says Popplewell died from "multiple blunt trauma to his head and body". Trooper Barnett's report says neither was wearing a seat-belt. In a statement to WJRS NEWS, RCHS Principal Darren Gossage said, "This is truly a sad day for our student body and faculty". Gossage said the RCHS faculty learned of the tragic accident while they were attending Professional Development in-service training in the school's auditorium. Grief counselors will be available when students and faculty return from "fall break" at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday and will remain available for as long as needed, according to Principal Gossage. Funeral arrangements for 17 year old Travis Popplewell will be announced later by the Bernard Funeral Home in Russell Springs.
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