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Update: Toddler Killed; Four Others Injured Save Email Print
Posted: 1:57 PM Oct 3, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:00 AM Oct 5, 2008
26 comments
A | A | A

Highway patrol released the names of the victims in that tragic collision
Friday, which left a toddler dead.

Troopers say 50 year old Deborah Pate of Pikeville crossed the center line on Highway 13 , then side-swiped Mariella Rodriquez and her one year old, Gissela Geuvrra.

Troopers say the van then tried to get back on the road, but overcorrected and ran head on into another car, driven by Angelina Hernandez.

Authorities say no charges have been filed, the mother of infant had to be flown to Pitt Memorial Hospital, where authorities say she had not regained concsiousness.

Previous Story:

A toddler was killed late this morning and four other people were injured in an accident on Highway 13.

It happened around 11:30 a.m. in Greene County near Shine.

The Highway Patrol says three vehicles were involved in the crash. Troopers tell WITN News that a van headed north on Highway 13 crossed the center line and sideswiped the first car before sticking the second vehicle head on.

Three people were taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital, while a fourth was airlifted to Pitt County Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Stay with WITN News and witn.com for more on this developing story.
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Posted by: unknown Location: unknown on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I am a firefighter who was at the accident. I dont know what its like to lose a child but I can say this IT HAS TO HURT AND IT DOES....to those of you blaming the diabetic...Grow up! Accidents happen all the time and they will always happen. You do not judge someone by their health. This woman is truely sorry for what happened and my heart goes out to every family that was involved not just certain ones. This woman needs our prayers just as much as anyone else does. So before you start pointing fingers as to who is to blame take a minute to stop and think about how you would feel if people were up here talking about you or one of your family members because they had a massive heart attack without warning while driving down the road or in this case a diabetic coma. Have sympathy people, not a judgement day!
Posted by: Obama 08 4 Prez! on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:09 AM
This is a sad time for all. Emotions are running high and at first people want actions and blame to be put on someone. LPM my daughter has diabetes and it has changed the entire families life. This was an accident. She wasn't on a phone, drunk, or high. But people have you ever though it was this child's time to go. Like a thief in the night....one thing about death.....it happens and you have no say in the way or when you die. The ideal is your safe in your bed and fall asleep and never wake up. LMP I'm sorry your family was used to bring this child back home. You're going to here ignorant statement for a time, then the next news story will be up. Hold your head up and pray. "Love from parent all over; to both families involved. My Angele I believe would forgive you because she is home!
Posted by: LPM Location: Goldsboro on Oct 7, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Wow people, the World is ignorant. First of all my mom wasn't on a cell phone and today we talked to the NCHP (highway patrol) and they said my mom's sugar was 23 at the scene. How is saying she was not on a phone hurting the other families. http://www.kinston.com/news/accident_50127___article.html/killed_vehicle.html Maybe some of you should read this article before completely blaming my mother. There is a reason all of this happened and let me tell you any minute of any day if God asked my mom who to take my mom would volunteer before she would allow taking the life of a child. She has custody of my nephews and they are also having a hard time dealing with all of this. By no means am I trying to hurt anyone. My mom also has to live with this the rest of her life. There is a reason why my mom missed the tractor trailer by inches and there is a reason she went miles before hitting anyone. If you want to know why, I suggest you ask God. Please NO MORE trash talking on anyone.
Posted by: Baillie Location: snow hill on Oct 7, 2008 at 04:33 PM
okay some of you people up here dont no what its like to lose a baby. My family lost a 3 month old baby this year and it was really hard for ever one. you also dont no if she was on the phone or not were any of yall in the car with her? you should not waste your time putting stuff up here that is going to hurt this family when there going thrugh something like this. My prayers go out to this family
Posted by: Cat Location: Gboro on Oct 7, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Thank you for saying that "Angel". I was wanting real bad to comment on that, but hadn't figured out how exactly to word it. You nailed it for me! That was extremely cold for him to even pursue that issue. I call my children angels. My bf calls me angel. None of us are going to sprout wings, and fly off anytime soon, but its a sweet name, and an even sweeter gesture.. God bless you and the families involved in this tragedy..
Posted by: Angel Location: NC on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:43 PM
First of all-my heart goes out to each family involved in this terrible ACCIDENT. I pray that God gives you all the strength you need to get through this. Remember "If he brings you to it, he will bring you through it" God makes NO mistakes, every thing happens for a reason. And to "Ralph" was it really necessary to get so technical? Obviously you have never lost a child!! My family suffered the loss of a 3 month old "Angel" this year & for you to try & tell someone they are not is down right cold-hearted!! Do you think God would be pleased with that?? If you have children, have you not ever called them an "Angel" when they were younger?? What's really the difference?? & how about those parents that call their children "pumpkin" does that mean they are actually a big, round, orange pumpkin-NO it does not. It's merely a figure of speech. I do not think anyone is denying the truth by considering this child an "Angel". Maybe you should re-read the "book" as you call it & check yourself.
Posted by: Comeonpeople Location: pleazze on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Having known someone who has suffered from diabetes - I can tell you that when a person's sugar drops- they are unaware of it until it is too late to help themsleves-they are not aware that they are endangering themselves or anyone else- they have no idea that anything is wrong with them at all- To the lady who caused the accident- I pray that you accept that it was an accident and that God will give you peace and to the fmailies who suffered such a terrible loss- I pray that you will find comfort in knowing that your child is safe in the arms of Jesus now and I'm praying for you!
Posted by: LPM Location: Goldsboro on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Thanks to the Grandmother of 6, thanks for praying for all of us. We comtinue to pray for the others as well as ourselves. My mom is sorry for all this, she has a lot to live with the rest of her life. Be blessed.
Posted by: BloodBoughtChildofGod Location: noneyabusiness on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Come on, Ralph the "Book" says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord-Realize that mostly everyone up here is trying to give comfort to the families & for you 2 turn that into a religious squabble is wrong and do you think that is what Jesus would want?-maybe He wants us to have compassion for everyone & for us to lean not on thine own understanding-but to rely on Him & not by typing a bunch of facts that most probably knew who made the angel comments- you could have offered a message of comfort from "the Book"-such as How Jesus comforted Mary & Martha over the death of Lazerus when He stated that Those who believe even though they die, they live! John 11:25 My prayer is for all those affected by this~ that God will give you peace & comfort that only He can give! Ralph- read Psalms 119:21 and the second part of Proverbs 6:18 and 19 as well-It may help u in ur walk w/ the Lord instead of being so proud and thinking you know everything- for he detests pride & arrogance
Posted by: ??? Location: NC on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:24 AM
don't you sad people have anything else to do? On this blog, arguing the Bible? passing judgement on someone and something U know nothing about? It's a shame that, we, who are so fortunate to not be in the poor lady's or family of the injured and dead child position that you would DARE go on this site and critisize and judge! What have we as Americans fallen to? To LPM, please give your mother our heart felt love. I don't know her, but as a 54 yr old grandmother of 6, I know she would never intentionally harm another child. Please tell her to lean on God and not her own understanding. We will also be praing for the family that is injured and lost their child. One can only imagine what everyone involved is going thru.
Posted by: truthfully Location: abnc on Oct 6, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Thank you Ralph..you are exactly right..but to Travis the Bible is not fictional but like you said, "that's your opinion" hopefully, you get the Truth..
Posted by: Travis Location: Chocowinity on Oct 6, 2008 at 02:01 PM
In my opion the Bible is full of fictional stories. World was made in 6 days right? Angel comes from Old French From Greek Angelos. 1 - A messenger of God. 2 - A supernatural being either good or bad. 3- A guiding spirit 4- A image of a figure in human form with wing and a halo. 5 - A person regared as good. Little Gissela is still an Angel to me.
Posted by: Ralph Midyette Location: Fairfield on Oct 6, 2008 at 10:37 AM
To all the people saying that God has a new angel: The Bible clearly teaches that angels are another class of created beings, fully seperate from mankind. Angels aren't men, and men aren't angels. In eternity, human beings remain human beings ... they do not become angels. God's Word plainly tells us that angels are His servants who minister to men on His behalf. When you say that a dead person has become an angel, you deny the truth of His Word. Read the Book. Know the facts.
Posted by: LPM Location: Goldsboro on Oct 6, 2008 at 07:55 AM
To everyone, the one driving the van was my mother. She clearly had no intentions of this. She WAS NOT on her cell phone. She was in a diabetic coma. Her sugar was very low and how she made it to where she did, God only knows. She is in a lot of pain but being a grandmother with custody of her grandchildren, the worst of her pain is not physical. She keeps saying it should have been her instead of the child. She is not doing too well mentally. Please know that this is killing her inside. Please continue to pray for everyone involved. To the other families involved, I am very very sorry this happened, my mother is too. Just keep praying and know that God has a purpose and plan for everyone. A lot of times we dont understand but he is the one who knows best. Just know there is an angel in heaven ready to look after you. Also know we are thinking about you constantly and praying for your families as well. With Regards and Prayers, LPM
Posted by: Margaret Location: Snow Hill on Oct 6, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Debbie, the person driving the red van is my sister and I know how critical people can be but let me say this. Probably 75% f the people today have diabetes and to say they should not drive cars is ridiculous. Debbie was not on the cell phone, her phone was checked and the last call was on Thursday night. She is deeply hurt over what has happen and will always be tomented from this terrible accident but is was an accident. This was the first time that her blood sugar had ever dropped this low and the first time she has ever gone into a diabetic coma, so please people think before you talk. My heart goes out to the family that lost their child and nothing can ever replace that child, only God can help the family to understand. My heart also goes out to my sister because she also has to live this everyday for the rest of her life.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 5, 2008 at 07:46 PM
What is the condition of the mother and the other people involved in the accident?
Posted by: Juan Gonzalez Location: Mount Olive NC on Oct 5, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Que dios bendiga a la familia que salio lastimada en este desagradable accidente. Estan en nuestras oraciones que dios les de la fuerza y esperanza para sobre lleva la perdia da de su angelito. Dios Nos Bendiga A Todos!
Posted by: marilyn Location: sevensprings on Oct 5, 2008 at 11:41 AM
HI, I SENT YOU A E-MAIL EARLY SATURDAY MORNING,ASKING FOR HELP TO GET MARIELLA RODRIQUEZ,MOTHER FLOWN HERE FOR PORTA RICO, WELL THE FAMILY'S FRIENDS HAVE ALREADY FOUND THE MONEY AND THEY GOT HER FLOWN HERE LATE SATURDAY.SO I WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THIS. THANK YOU, M.ALPHIN
Posted by: sue Location: nc on Oct 5, 2008 at 08:26 AM
please everyone stop talking about this lady, i'm sure she didn't want this to happen. i'm a diabetic and i hope and pray i don't have to go through the pain this lady is experiencing now. people who are running their mouth about her on the cell phone, or she shouldn' be driving,you needto hush, and pray for the whole family. you don't know her situation until you have to walk in her shoes.no one knows what happened really, so therefor keep your nosey mouth shut. i pray that god will strenghten the whole family. you know that child is in heaven now.
Posted by: Alfred Location: Sparta NJ on Oct 5, 2008 at 01:50 AM
Reading these reports Lindsey says " She knows the driver very well She was in a diabetic coma. She was not on her cell phone " OK What Ever???
Posted by: Liza Location: New Bern on Oct 4, 2008 at 11:14 PM
to the one who says the person should not drive...I have diabetes, I have kids, therefore I have to drive. I cannot afford to call a cab and my "condition" is not enough for me to be considered disabled. That in return does not allow me to get help with transportation. Anyone with diabetes has this chance...so should everyone with diabetes not drive? Anyone can have a stroke, heart attack, seizure, or other medical condition without any warning. Should we ban people that cannot hear? Should we not allow handicap people to drive because they are a hazard? Some people just dont understand until they are in the same situation. God Bless everyone, he had the overall say in the situation and it all happened for a reason. He has a new angel!
Posted by: SomeonesSumbody Location: Greene Co. on Oct 4, 2008 at 11:07 PM
I was told by a member of the fire dept that was on the scene that the toddler was not buckled in her car seat nor was she in the appropriate type of car seat for her age/size. Sad for everyone.
Posted by: unknown Location: Snow Hill on Oct 4, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Please do not send funds to someone other than the actual person in the accident or a fund set up for her. Some people use this tragic time to scam people. I am not saying you should not help but beware there are scammers around
Posted by: Fred Location: Washington NC on Oct 4, 2008 at 09:53 AM
No body suggests the driver was not a nice person,but if the driver was that sick with diabetes,and I am sure the driver was told by her Doctor she might go into a diabetic coma at anytime. What was she doing driving a van or anything else. In my opion very bad judgment cause this accident My payers go out to everyone here. EDITOR NOTE: We have not confirmed the driver had a illness or not.
Posted by: marilyn m alphin Location: 247-b adams rd. Seven Springs on Oct 4, 2008 at 02:18 AM
Hi, My husband and I are the landlords of the young lady which was driving the vehicle that the baby was killed.I am deeply disturbed about a problem the family is having.The young lady has a mother in porta rico that needs to be here but the family does not have the money to get her here .The cost for 1 ways is 450.00 and She really needs her mother right now,This young lady does not even know that the baby has passed away.I am pleading with the public to PLEASE HELP get the youg lady's mother here.because of the family not having money to bring her here I am hoping the public will step in and get her here. thank you very much, Marilyn Alphin 247-b adams rd. Seven Springs,N.C.28578 P.S. this young lady lives right behind me
Posted by: Lindsey Location: Goldsboro on Oct 4, 2008 at 12:13 AM
The lady driving the van I know very well. She was not on the cell phone and she was in a diabetic coma. Do not say anything without KNOWING any information. The lady was a grandmother who has custody of her grandchildren and would NEVER harm anyone. So Wolfgang dont talk without knowing your stuff. You are the reason rumors start
Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY on Oct 3, 2008 at 10:28 PM
This should never have happend !!! Pay attention people when you drive. Do not cross the center line if you do this will happen. In my opion they shoud ban cell phone talking while driving like most Northern State have already. Some people can not do 2 things at once. Wake up drivers a baby died because someone did not pay attention to the road. My heart goes out to the family. I can not imagin the loss of my baby. I will pray for you at Church on Sunday. The lord has an other Angle
Posted by: kinston Location: nc on Oct 3, 2008 at 02:47 PM
My heart goes out to the family.
Posted by: warche' Location: downing on Oct 3, 2008 at 02:14 PM
aww this is so sad
Posted by: GoPirates Location: GVegas on Oct 3, 2008 at 02:09 PM
oh thats so sad!! My heart goes out to these families.. ?? WITN did the four others die or are they injured? The headline says 4 others injured while the article says they died, but the end of it says they were taken to hospitals for treatment?? Just wondering?
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