Crystal Brown
cbrown@weatherforddemocrat.com
Weatherford High School is mourning the loss of another classmate this week.
Sarah Brinkmann, 17, died Tuesday in a car accident on Farm Road 51 at 10 a.m.. The accident also killed Keith Defoe, 65, of Pueblo, Colo, and injured his wife Marcella Defoe, 67, according to published reports. The accident occurred just south of the Texas 171 and FM 51 split south of Weatherford.
Published reports which credit the Texas Department of Public Safety stated Brinkmann was driving north on FM 51 in a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina while the Defoes were southbound in a 2000 Chevrolet Astro Van. As the vehicles started to pass one another, Brinkmann’s vehicle swerved left into the van. DPS stated all were wearing seat belts.
Troopers are still investigating why the car swerved into the oncoming van.
Marcella Defoe was taken to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth
Brinkmann was active in the WHS Leadership Council, Student Council, Roo Crew and Melon Vine yearbook staff. She had also attended Hall Middle School and the WHS Ninth Grade Center.
“WHS Principal David Belding met with faculty and staff members Tuesday afternoon to inform them of the accident, and additional counselors arrived at the high school this morning to assist those coping with this tragedy,” wrote Derik Moore, WISD director of communications. “Also, a letter [was] sent home with all high school students [Wednesday] afternoon encouraging parents to visit with their children as they come to grips with the loss of a fellow classmate and friend.”
