By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–A three-vehicle accident in Henry County Wednesday claimed the life of a beloved Paris school teacher and injured one of the other drivers.
Rhea Elementary School Teacher Kim McDaniel, age 39, Big Sandy, perished in the crash. Her son, who is a student at Paris Elementary, was injured and is now recovering at home.
The accident occured around 4 p.m. at 11661 Hwy. 641 near Halfway Market in Springville.
Paris Special Schools District Superintendent Dr. Norma Gerrell said grief counselors from Carey Counseling, along with Brother Bob Palmer of Sulphur Well Church of Christ, who was Mrs. McDaniel’s pastor, are on hand at Rhea School today.
“We have extra hands and helpers here this morning helping everyone get through this,” Dr. Gerrell said.
Mrs. McDaniel was a teacher at PSSD for 15 years and was hired right after she was graduated from Murray State. “This was her only teaching job. She was so nurturing and so dedicated to her students. She was a wonderful teacher and one of the most organized teachers I’ve ever seen. She truly will be missed.”
Tennessee Highway Patrol Lt. Brad Wilbanks released the preliminary report of the crash this morning.
The other drivers in the accident were David Jenkins, age 33, of Holladay, driving a 2000 Ford; and Tasha Stepp, age 32 of Camden, driving a 2000 Mazda. Mrs. McDaniel was driving a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Jenkins was injured in the wreck.
Jenkins was northbound on Hwy. 641, with Mrs. McDaniel and Stepp driving in front of him. According to the report, Jenkins crossed over into the southbound lane and struck the trailer being driven by Stepp. Jenkins continued south and came to final rest on the shoulder. Mrs. McDaniel continued north and came to rest on the shoulder; Stepp continued south and came to rest on the shoulder of the highway, according to the report.