Natchez Trace Parkway Employee Killed in Motor Vehicle Collision

by Staff
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Frank Hadorn

CHICKASAW COUNTY, MS – On August 6, 2018, at approximately 7:03 a.m., the Natchez Trace Parkway Communications Center received notification of a motor vehicle collision near Houston, Mississippi (milepost 223.5). U.S. Park Rangers and Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene.

Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) maintenance worker, Frank Hadorn of Fulton, MS, was traveling south on the Parkway on his way to work when a northbound vehicle, driven by Jose Garcia Roque, of Houston, TX, crossed the center line striking Hadorn’s vehicle head-on. The impact propelled Hadorn’s vehicle off the bridge where it came to rest on the side of a creek embankment. Sadly, Hadorn was pronounced deceased at the scene. Roque was transported to Houston Trace Regional Medical Center and then flown by air to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo where he succumbed to his injuries.

Parkway staff members are devastated by the loss of Hadorn, who worked at the Parkway since 2012. Hadorn retired from the National Guard and served two tours in Afghanistan before joining the Parkway as a Seasonal Maintenance Worker. “Frank was a hard worker, and we were fortunate to hire him up full time in 2013” said Chief of Maintenance Barry Boyd. “He was a well-respected member of the staff and will be greatly missed.”

Chief Ranger Sarah Davis.

“To have one of our own killed in a motor vehicle collision, hurts more than words can describe,” said Chief Ranger Sarah Davis. Davis noted that three factors found in almost every fatality were seen in this tragedy. “Our initial investigation indicates that the other driver was speeding, was not licensed, and was not giving his full time and attention to the roadway. These are some of the most common factors in almost every fatal crash.”

 “The Parkway’s number one priority for the past several years has been focusing on traffic safety and reducing fatality rates through enforcement, education, and engineering,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “We went from 11 fatalities last year to just two this year, which happened this morning. We are just heart-sick that we could not protect one of our own.”

“Rangers continue to remind Parkway users to drive the speed limit, use your seatbelt, pay attention to your surroundings and ensure that you have the proper licenses and insurance,” reminded Davis. “If the northbound vehicle had been following these simple practices, our staff would still have a friend working with us and a wife would still have her husband by her side.”

 Remember the Parkway is a scenic byway NOT an interstate highway.

Media Release/
Office of the Superintendent, Natchez Trace Parkway

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