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‘Karen’s Light’ Now Active On Hwy. 29
October 25, 2010
A new traffic signal was activated Tuesday at a Highway 29 intersection that claimed the life of a Molino woman, and for one Walnut Hill woman, it will be a bittersweet moment.
Karen R. Broxson, 23,of Molino died following a two vehicle accident at Highway 29 and 9 1/2 Mile Road in July of 2009. Since that time, two other people have been killed in accidents at the intersection, including Eloise Hall, 76, of Pensacola.
Broxson’s aunt, Felicia Amerson of Walnut Hill, went on a crusade for a traffic signal at the busy intersection to prevent more deaths.
“If there had been a light at that intersection, my niece would still be here with us,” Amerson said. “I hope having the light there will save another from going through what we have experienced.”
Amerson, along with friends and family members, worked to gather over 1,500 signatures on a petition that was presented to the Florida Department of Transportation. The FDOT conducted a study and determined that the traffic signal was needed.
“This light is Karen’s Light may it shine as bright as her beautiful smile,” Amerson said.
Broxson’s accident happened when a Toyota Rav 4 driven by Katherine L. Hosack, 50, of Cantonment pulled from a stop on 9 1/2 Mile Road into the path of her southbound Chevrolet Blazer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Boxson’s Blazer was spun around several times by the force of the impact and overturned in the southbound lanes. The FHP says Broxson was ejected in the crash; she was not wearing a seat belt. Broxson was transported by LifeFlight to Sacred Heart Hospital where she died a few hours later. Hosack was charged with failure to yield and fined $500.
Pictured top: This July 2009 accident claimed the life of Karen Broxson at the intersection of Highway 29 and 9 1/2 Mile Road (courtesy WEAR TV 3). Pictured insets: Karen Broxson and the sign erected in her honor at the intersection (submitted photos). Pictured below: The traffic light is installed at the intersection. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
49 Responses to “‘Karen’s Light’ Now Active On Hwy. 29”
Nov. 15 would have been your 25th birthday, today we are all gathered to give Thanks on Thanksgiving, but my heart is so sad today. I know that one day we will see you again in Heaven. I miss you and love you so much. Always in our hearts.
Love,
Aunt Fefe
Accidents unfortunately happen and someone will always be careless. Please wear your seatbelts at all times (especially children). I have been to thousands of car accidents and hundreds of those were roll overs (including this one, I was the one that was instructing LifeFlight on where to land). The facts are there and I have seen them first hand, seat belts save lives!
Blaming anyone will not bring her back, but using this as an example has already done a lot of good (that light has been needed for years). Please take this to heart!
JW a local firefighter for safety gear
i dont mind, at all, stopping at the red light….ill never be in that much of a rush- gives me an opportunity to look over to the memorial and think about things..im glad that it was done- thoughts/prayers are still with each family involved.
Dear punish the masses!!
I’m so glad that you are now a professional and know exactly what’s going to happen at that intersection!! First of all, if this light had been here before there would have been no way this lady would have been able to pull across the road because she would have had a RED LIGHT!! Boo Hoo that you may actually have to stop at another light is that really going to ruin your day, Seriously get a freaking life!!! I guess if it had been your daughter/son or anyone in your family that was killed there you may feel different. And for YOUR INFORMATION, There were THREE people killed at this interesection within 6 months not to mention the over 200 yes 200 accidents that were there in the last FIVE YEARS!! This light may not save everyones life but it will dang sure help. So when your “STOPPED” AT THE RED LIGHT and being so inconvienced on your way to work, look to the right side and read the memorial marker that is there for that child, and think about the other two that lost there life because this light wasnt there. How there families feel. If you dont want to be stopped by yet another light there then detour on 10 mile road.
Thousands of vehicles passed through this intersection accident-free everyday. But now thanks to a couple of careless drivers who were in too much of a hurry to wait for a safe break in traffic before entering the intersection, we will ALL be forced to wait at yet another traffic light.
And to top it all off, the intersection is not any safer because we will still have careless drivers trying to beat traffic to turn onto 9 1/2 Mile Road.
Mark my word, this will not prevent serious accidents at this intersection!!!!
Thanks for nothing FDOT.
Yes, I totally agree with a Fan Of Karen. Tina you have problems your turning this wonderful thing into anger. Get over yourself. This is something that has been a long time coming, and this is for everyone to remember Karen, and all the others that have went before and after her at this intersection. Maybe you should seek anger management. It def. sounds like you have issues. I mean think about what you said. If all the drivers who have killed someone by accident or have gotten into wrecks go to jail or prison. Half of the world would be locked up. I’m guessing you don’t make mistakes. Some people are just perfect. I feel for the lady that has to live with this in her heart. May God Bless her and KAren, and Everyone else. (including you Tina) =) Have a nice day!!!
Kim it me you no i’m so so sorry i never wanted to tell you this but when i found out that day when mom called me you no i didnt even want to have mine but i truly think karen looks over casin all the time and i think she does it for you cause you are so close to my baby you r there GRANNY KIM the one and only and the one that give them BUTTER and M&M O U DO but i am thinkful for what they done for her the light was needed i love you and stay strong love ya allways
Well said WTG and Felicia.
Kim I pray for you and your family. Keep your faith girl.
Tina, you are way out of line.
OK “Tina Minton”……. see for yourself what Felicia said??
NOW, please respect the family and their feelings on this matter and DO NOT post another negative comment about the other driver…….
again, the family has NO hate for Mrs. Hosack, and does not appreciate YOU posting such hateful comments about her.
Lord help you, Tina, to take away your hate for others, your cold heart, and the anger. Remember God loves YOU too Tina.
To Rebecca Blume, I’m sobbing as Im reading the quote that you put on here with scripture I close my eyes and picture what Heaven must be like for her, how she feels no more pain or heartache that this cruel world had to offer.
To everyone: This traggic accident that took my niece’s life was just that, a traggic accident! It could have happened to any of us, if it had been the other way around and Karen had killed Ms. Hosack in the accident she would be just as devastated. If we didnt forgive her then we would be robbing ourselfs of the blessings that God has for us, we pray for her and can only imagine her heartache. It wouldnt have mattered on that day God called her home to be with him, he knew when he created her when she would leave this earth. As much as we would love to have her stay, God knew she was coming home. For those of you who knew Karen, you know that she was the center of attention, that she never left a room without telling you she loved you, that her heart was as big as her smile, or how much she LOVED her Daddy & Momma and her brothers and friends! I would be lying if I said that my heart doesnt ache for her daily, that I dont cry for her everyday, that when I look at my family there is this void in our hearts that will never be filled. Karen would have turned 25 years old on November 15th, I want everyone who reads this on that day give someone you love a big hug for Karen, tell them how much you love them because you never know when it could be the last time.
Karen, left behind a huge family that loves her very much but I know that there is nothing in this world that Karen would leave Heaven for and one day soon we will see her again.
To Tina- You say “she was likely wearing her seatbelt”.
The fact is, a properly worn lap and shoulder harness will hold you in a vehicle in a roll over, they are extensively disigned and tested, and strictly regulated to serve that one simple purpose. Every aspect of their design, from the anchor points, fasteners, weave of the strap, the buckle itself..and even the button on the buckle and how hard you have to push it…its all tested and retested, even to the point of being mundane circumstances…to prevent failure.
People do forget to wear their restraints…it happens.
Im not trying to justify what the other lady did, not at all. Just saying.
Tina Minton YOU sound like a very angry person and you should know that Kim does NOT hold a grudge against the woman.
Maybe You should look at this whole story and YOU will see that the family DOES NOT hold a grudge against the lady who was at fault, and you should be ashamed of yourself………….trying soooo hard to bring in hate and blame with this situation.
KIM, FELICIA, ANITA, have NO hate for the lady, and doing so would only mean more burden in their hearts.
Kim and HER Family has a place waiting in heaven with their babygirl because of their love, understanding , FORGIVENESS and FAITH. TRY it Tina!!
I don’t think this tragdy is what makes you an angry person…….I think LIFE in general makes you an angry person.
Tina, you need to know that forgiveness, faith in God, and love for others is the WAY TO HEAVEN………………………………………………………
To Tina………….John 2:11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.
Even ashlin notice the new light I told her it was a gift for ms KIM …. FROM HEAVEN…. WE BOTH SMILED AS WE DRIVE UNDER ….. WE LOVE U GURL….
Your loved one lives on. A stream can have no ending, for the ocean never ends. Path winds on, though we can’t always see around its bends. Our view must stop where earth meets sky, but both stretch on and on. We cannot see our loved ones—
still, we know they are not gone. The relationship lives forever. Praying that you find comfort in knowing that your loved one has found true peace.
Jesus answered him,
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:43
Felicia I am terribly sorry for your loss. I hope you sued that careless driver who was so inconsiderate. She should NOT be driving and should be in prison. Saying that it happened because she didn’t wear her seat belt (which she probably was wearing) is like saying that it is your fault if someone breaks into your home because you didn’t lock the door. It doesn’t change the fact that this person was so inconsiderate and selfish and couldn’t even bother to look before making a turn and being on the cell phone. The bottom line is that if this person had bothered to look first the kid would still be alive. Why can’t it be that the people that cause accidents are the ones who get injured. Hopefully she does it to herself before the next person and I have no idea why she is able to drive. God help her if she hits me, she will be in the slammer like MC Hammer.
It really is ashame that innocent people die everyday because certain drivers make a turn without bothering to look. Instead of wasting all this money to make cars safer, people who kill others in accidents should no longer be able to drive and how many lives would this save? I don’t know how they can look at themselves.
Kim & Family, I have know yall for a long time now and I’am so sorry for yall’s lost!! It was a shock when I heard about the lost of Karen!!! Karen is truely missed but she will shine forever now as well as all the other loves ones lost at this intersection!!! I’m proud of all the hard work done to get this light put up!!! Thank Yall So Much for saveing other ones loves lifes!!!!! Love Ya Kim!!!!! R.I.P. Karen!!!
IT was a tragic loss, all the wrecks were…but a light is a poorly placed bandaid on a gaping wound that is poor and careless driving habits.
Lights, much like stop and Yield signs, are only effective when 100% of the people on the road mind them, and unfortunately people think the Yellow light means floor it, just like people think a stop sign means to slow down and roll through the intersection with your eyes closed and your hands up in the air.
I dont see this light being much more than yet another thing to slow down traffic on an already congested 29..like all the lights have further congested 9mile rd.
your mileage may vary.
Thanks so much for our new red light, it’s been a long time coming.Just wish that the resident of 9 1/2 mile rd. would have had the opportunity to have signed the paper work to have it done… about 10 homes here new nothing about.. wish we could have been a help. All our hearts go out to Karen’s family
Not a day goes by that our family doesn’t grieve for the loss of my niece to know that we will have no wedding for her or baby showers. This past May she would have graduated from college we can go back and forth over the seatbelt issue which we find hard to believe she wasn’t wearing since she did every day we could even say that if the lady wouldn’t have been talking on her cell phone this wouldn’t have happened but bottom line nothing is going to bring her back. Our faith in God and knowing each day we get up is one day closer to seeing her again so please love your children with everything in you make each day special when my sister kissed her goodbye that morning she never dreamed it would be her last. I did this light in honor of my niece but also for the others who lost there life two within six months of hers. Thank you to everyone and I mean that from the bottom of my heart we couldn’t have made it through this past year! Aunt Fefe loves you so much and you will always be with us.
Came by there today, SOOO glad they have the light there now but there was a couple people i saw go when they should have waited. . .IF ANYONE “IMPORTANT” reads this then maybe you could put a state trooper or a deputy at this light until people get used to it. . . thanks!!!
I LOVE YOU SOOO MUCHHH!!!!!!!!!!! <3
great job fefe!!! i know our angel is so proud of you…i am so thankful that there is a light there now, she is shinning to save others ! i just wish that she wouldnt have been taken just to finally get a light up …i miss her so much!!!! r.i.p. karen..u may be gone but u will never ever be forgotten..forever in my heart love you!!!
What a wonderful thing !!! Karen was such a beautiful SWEET young woman. I think of her everytime I pass through this intersection. I know she is looking down from heaven and is so so proud. Kimbo, I think about how much you miss Roche’ and I know how much this means to you too. Keep your head up and keep smiling, Karen would not want you to be doing anything else… David, We miss seeing you like we used to. We hope your doing well. “Karen” will be in our hearts FOREVER !!! Horray for everyone that worked to get this done… Great Job !!!
THE LIGHT IS ON!!!
Its a wonderful thing to get this traffic light finally put installed in memory of lost loved ones. However, the sad fact also remains that if people would do the simple act of wearing their seatbelts, many times they walk away unharmed. If this beautiful young woman had her seatbelt on, I would imagine she would be with us today. All the stoplights in the world will not save someone if they are not buckled in when an accident happens. Much sympathy to the families and congrats to fighting so hard at getting this light put in. Lets also push for seatbelt use each and every time.
The deep love of Richey’s friends and family touches my heart. Thanks so much for thinking of Richey and for your effort to prevent further loss of life and the grief and sorrow that follows.
To my wonderful sis who did all the footwork for this wonderful lite. To all my customers who helped sign the petetion to get it. I love u all not only for your support then,but for the last year. Your love has not gone unnoticed. As for Karen she is proud, and working miracles from heaven everyday. Just think in 100 years she will still be remembered for her light. Love u baby girl not a day goes by I don’t think of u. Love ya,Mom.
Please people wear your seatbelts and try to preserve your own life!
Thank you Felica. This warms my heart that it is finally happening. I know Karen is very proud of your determination to get the light. Thanks to everyone who helped make it all possible. Drive safe and always wear your seatbelt.
I am so proud of you Felicia!!! You just saved so many lives!!! I love you cuz!
It’s an act of congress to have them do it. First you have to get the traffic watch people to sit at the intersection for a few days I guess. I work right here on the corner, and I’ve only worked here since March, and have never seen so many accidents in my life. I know my boss’s husband kept calling and emailing people to get over here and take care of this. He had to let them know while their people are over there working on it (which was their excuse), our people are over here dying left and right. A few months later bamn a traiffic light. It’s way too dangerous. I use the back roads it’s so dangerous crossing over. I guess with everybody pushing the issue, it all worked out.
This is awesome! Thank you for doing this for Chey (Karen), and for all the others who have passed away at that intersection, and for the many more peoples lives it will save. We love you & miss you so very much Chey Chey
I ahve gotten to know Janine and she talks about karen so much that I feel like I knew her. It is sad that something bad has to happen before they do something to prevent wrecks, but I am extremely proud of the family for getting this light in her honor.
William I would like to know how these people got this light installed, we need one at Barrineau Park Rd. and HWY 29 where we lost our daughter Kimberly and our neighbor Frances plus many more.
Great job aunt Fe Fe. This was the single most worst thing that has ever happened to our family. I had worked at the tire store at this intersectionand have wittnessed several lives lost at this intersection. Thank You for your deligence in continuing to fight for our baby.
Nita, Kim, Felicia and everyone else, I am so proud of you guys for getting this done. Hopefully it will save many lives. I love you guys.
My husband & I live N Baldwin County, but we use this route many times due to the horrific traffic on 9 mile!! I am truly sorry that people have to lose their lives B4 it gets the attention of he FLDOT because they themselves along w/many other officers drive by or through this way everyday!! I believe it is very senseless that it takes people losing their loved ones & then they have to go around & get 1500 signatures B4 a redlight is put up there!!
Many thoughts & prayers to those families who have lost their loved ones!! And even many more thanks to those who fought to have this light put in!! God Bless!!
I live just a quick trip from this intersection and use it most days. I am very sorry for the loss suffered by so many families and I am forever grateful for your work to get this light installed
Great job Fe!~!~! I am very proud of you. Thanks for making a difference.
Thanks everyone for signing to get this light.Hope many lives will be saved.memaw loves and still misses you.i hope know one else will have to go through what the family’s that have lost love ones at this intersection
Kim and Family – Congratulations, and thank you from all of us who drive this route!
thanks Felicia for doing this! Everytime I pass this intersection I have a panic attack, fearing the same thing that happened to “Karen”, or Chey. Everytime I will see this light i will smile, and remember her as we all did.
Rip Sis!
My friend and her son were just hit at this intersection not too long ago also. Thankfully, they have recovered well. Sounds like the light was needed.
I almost got in a wreck same location because I couldn’t see and since then have been nervous to go this route. Good work guys!!
As mentioned in this news article, my aunt, Elouise Hall, was also killed at this same intersection. My mother was serious injured in the same accident, but by the grace and mercy of God, has recovered. My mother lives 3 houses down from this intersection and we are very happy to see a traffic light going up. It is at least 40 years overdue – should have always beeen one there to help with the traffic flow from Pine Meadow Elementary!!!
Thank you for pushing for the light. Our family planned to do the same thing, but in our grief and recovery had not gotten around to it. Then I drove home one day and saw the work beginning. It was a wonderful sight!
Kim (and family) I know that there no words or structures erected will replace/compensate for the loss of your daughter. But the Light will shine one in her memory and will now save the lives of others!! Good things do come out of bad! Karen would be so proud of you and very happy for how much your life has changed! Keep Praying, Talk to God and God Bless…………..
I am so glad that they are finally putting up a light there!! Rest in Peace Karen! We miss you baby girl!
YAY FELICIA!! good job girl!!! love and miss you richey!