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Five Family Members Killed On ‘Dream Trip’ to Disney

Posted/updated on: November 23, 2014 at 7:07 pm
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trudimichaelhardmanNEW ORLEANS (AP/STAFF) — Michael and Trudi Hardman had always talked about taking their six children to Disney World, and just a week before Thanksgiving, it seemed their “dream trip” was to be a reality. But just a little more than three hours after they left Terrell Wednesday night, their SUV veered off a highway and rolled over in Louisiana, killing the couple and three of the kids. Police believe the couple’s 16-year-old son apparently fell asleep behind the wheel. State police spokesman Michael Reichardt says the driver was cited with careless operation, which is a misdemeanor.

The dead include three children: Kaci Hardman, 4, Adam Hardman, 7, and Dakota Watson, 15, as well as two adults, Michael and Trudi Hardman, ages 42 and 31, respectively. The Associated Press reports the two adults were from Terrell. 16-year-old driver Andrew Hardman, who was properly restrained, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Two additional passengers identified as Aaron Hardman and Hunter Watson, both sixth graders, were taken to local hospitals with moderate injuries. None of the ejected passengers were wearing seatbelts.

Trudi was a kindergarten teacher at Wills Point ISD and had been an educator for 14 years. Her husband, Michael, taught at Terrell ISD. Officials in Wills Point said family was active in the school and in the Wills Point Baseball Association. Troopers suspect the driver may have fallen asleep prior to the crash. Although impairment is not suspected, a toxicology sample was obtained from the driver and will be submitted for analysis as required by law. The crash remains under investigation.

Michael Hardman’s brother Timothy Hardman said, going to Disney World was his brother’s family’s “dream trip.”



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