Remembering 5 Victims Of A Hit And Run

Monday, November 12th 2007, 4:51 pm

By: News On 6

The families of the five victims of Friday nightâ€™s deadly hit-and-run crash share some of the many ways those five people touched the lives of others. News On 6 anchor Terry Hood reports crosses and flowers now mark where the five lives were lost near 12th and Memorial.

Twenty-nine-year-old Casey Jones was doing what he always does, says his father, helping someone in need.

â€œShe was incredible,â€ said Tiffany Kelley whose son was in De Anna Coatneyâ€™s class last year at Broken Arrowâ€™s Lynn Wood Elementary.

For nine years, De Anna Coatney taught fourth graders at Broken Arrow. Messages of support cover a wall inside for the school's teacher of the year. "Ride On", one says for a teacher who rocked.

â€œThe way she taught he realizes that he wouldn't be the student he is in fifth grade, a little more responsible and appreciative of the way she ran her classroom. She ran a tight ship,â€ added Tiffany Kelley.

De Annaâ€™s husband, Ronny Coatney was also killed. He was at 10-year employee at Air Comfort in Jenks.

â€œHe was just a hard working, good old boy,â€ said Cecil Crain.

Anita Foote had gone to the Backyard Bar to listen a friend's band. The Red Cross volunteer was helping the fallen motorcycle rider as her life ended, leaving behind a son and daughter due with a new granddaughter in two weeks. All that's left now is memories.

â€œWell the last one I have is, I went to my baby shower,â€ said Ashley Foote, Anitaâ€™s daughter.

As for the woman, police say is responsible, Anita Foote's children forgive her and are glad she turned herself in.

â€œShe's just going to have to forgive herself, she's going to have to live with it. And, so do we,â€ said Jason Foote, Anitaâ€™s son.

Dealing with the death of a loved one, they say, is nearly impossible. But, one mom says her four-year-old daughter may have put it in perspective.

â€œShe may not be here with us, but she's in our hearts. When someone dies they're in your heart forever and they never leave you,â€ said Tiffany Kelley whose son was in De Anna Coatneyâ€™s class.

Watch the video: Families of Five Hit And Run Victims Mourn

Related stories:

11/10/07 Suspect Arrested in Fatal Hit And Run Traffic Accident

11/11/2007 Teacher Among Five Killed In Hit And Run Accident

11/12/2007 Funerals Begin Tuesday For Victims Of Deadly Quintuple Hit And Run