An SMU grad's life tragically ended last Thursday night when she was struck by a vehicle in Dallas while walking to her rideshare. Reports from FOX 4 News state that the 23-year-old, Katie Kerl, a Florida native who stayed in Dallas after college, was killed near the Rosewood Mansion Hotel on Gillespie Street and Turtle Creek Boulevard. In an emotional state, Katie's sister, Abbey, described Katie as "the most outstanding human being I've ever seen in my life" and her role model and best friend.
According to Dallas police, the incident occurred just before 10 p.m. and involved Katie and her friend attempting to reach their parked rideshare safely. The driver of another vehicle drove around the rideshare and struck both women. Katie did not survive the impact. Her friend was injured, but details about her condition were not provided in the initial reports. Abbey Kerl stated, as per FOX 4 News, "I just want the person who did it to not get away with it. I don’t care about anything else." Abbey’s pain is palpable, a sister lost, and a family left to mourn the dreams of a young woman just starting her adult life.
NBC DFW reported that the second victim is in stable condition after being taken to a local hospital along with Katie. As the suspect stayed at the scene, no charges have been officially filed yet. Still, Dallas police have released limited information about their ongoing investigation, and it remains to be seen if criminal charges will come as a result of the investigation's outcome.
