Karen Abernathy of Elkmont held back tears Friday as she described her daughter as “outgoing” and “free-spirited.”
Abernathy’s 21-year-old daughter, Jessica Lynne Braithwaite, mother of a young son, was killed at about 7:40 Thursday night in an all-terrain vehicle crash on Spence Cave Road, seven miles west of Ardmore.
She was riding with Jonathan Barnes, 26, when they attempted to pass another ATV and lost control, Abernathy said. Braithwaite was killed instantly. Barnes was taken by MedFlight to Huntsville Hospital, where he remained in serious condition Friday in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Braithwaite’s son, Skylar, is 18 months old, Abernathy said.
Abernathy said she learned of her daughter’s death when a friend of Barnes’ called to tell her of the wreck.
Her daughter had ridden on four-wheelers before, she said.
“She was very independent,” Abernathy said.
Braithwaite was a cheerleader at West Limestone High School, where she graduated in 2005. She attended Cartwright Church of Christ.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Braithwaite also is survived by her father, Michael Braithwaite and her stepmother Lisa Braithwaite of New Port Richey, Fla.; her stepfather, Anthony Abernathy of Elkmont; three brothers and two sisters.
Local News
Mother of infant killed in ATV accident
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Memorial Day ceremony slated for Monday
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Tornado artifacts sought for exhibit
Scientists at the National Weather Service in Huntsville are asking Limestone County residents to contribute to a historical and educational display about the tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011.
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Schools chief is 'ecstatic' over job
Board members cited Sisk’s experience in handling personnel issues, his working for a large school system, his outgoing personality and his willingness to help obtain money to buy laptop computers for students as evidence of his promise.
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'Significant' local arrests net drugs, cash
Limestone County deputies made what Sheriff Mike Blakely termed “significant arrests” with a Friday evening drug bust of a house at 817 Westmoreland Street.
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BREAKING: Reward offered in Limestone burglary
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Bills in meth trash lead to arrest
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Space Camp celebrating 30th anniversary
The center is hosting a weekend of family-friendly activities and a reunion of Space Camp alumni on June 15.
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Community colleges seeing declining enrollment
American Association of Community Colleges spokeswoman Norma Kent says changes in the economy are to blame.
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