The Ellis County Press: Student struck, killed

Student struck, killed
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Editor on 05/20/2010 15:09:00


MEGAN GRAY
The Ellis County Press
MIDLOTHIAN - A 17-year-old Midlothian High School student was struck down by a
pick-up truck and killed in the early morning hours Sunday, May 16.
Brandon Simmons was riding his bike down FM 875 near Jordan Lane after work with
his friend Ian French, 16, when Simmons was killed by a drunk driver.
According to reports, French said they were riding their bikes just after
midnight along the dark road when he saw headlights and veered to the right of
the road.
Simmons didn't get over quick enough.
French got up after being hit by the driver's mirror and drove down the road for
help.
The bike was found first, followed by Sim-mons' body lying in a ravine.
Donald Lewis Cassell III, from Venus, is a 47-year-old man charged with
Intoxication Manslaughter w/vehicle and two charges of failure to stop and
render aid.
Bonds on all three charges total $135,000.
According to reports, this wasn't Cassell's first offense driving while
intoxicated.
Midlothian Independent School District sent out a notice to Simmons' classmates.
"It is with great sadness that the MISD family shares its loss of MHS junior,
Brandon Simmons, who was killed by an automobile while riding his bike late
Saturday even-ing," stated a released sent out by the district.
MHS counselors are available for students and teachers during this time of need.
Simmons funeral service will be Wednesday, May 19 at the Midlothian Funeral Home
at 11 a.m.
French and Simmons were co-workers at the Waxahachie Papa John's.
Papa John's locations in Waxahachie, Duncan-ville and DeSoto are raising funds
for Simmons family to help cover the cost of his funeral arrangements.