Elizabeth Atkinson: Alabama mom dies after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to retrieve luggage

DAPHNE, ALABAMA: An Alabama mother tragically lost her life after she was fatally struck by a vehicle while attempting to retrieve luggage that had fallen on a roadway.

According to the authorities, Elizabeth Atkinson, 47, was going on a girls’ trip with her two daughters and two of her friends on Tuesday, January 2, when the incident occurred on State Highway 181 near Rigsby Road in Daphne, USA Today and FOX affiliate WALA-TV reports. 

Elizabeth Atkinson entered the roadway to retrieve fallen items 

Atkinson entered the roadway to retrieve the items just after 6.15 am local time, at which time she was struck. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Several people gathered at Bayside Academy on Wednesday, January 3, for a prayer vigil honoring Atkinson’s life, WALA-TV reported.

Elizabeth Atkinson was 'a loving and dedicated mother'

Atkinson was “a loving and dedicated mother to her two children,” who attend the school, according to her obituary. She is remembered by family and friends “for her unwavering faith, generous spirit, giving heart and beautiful and contagious smile.”

“Elizabeth was a devout Christian with a generous heart and soul,” the obituary shares, noting that she “dedicated endless volunteer hours to her daughter’s school.”

Elizabeth Atkinson was also a breast cancer survivor

Atkinson was also passionate about being outdoors and “enjoyed fishing and boating with family and friends.” She was "an avid traveler" and a breast cancer survivor as well. “Her most cherished and dedicated role was that of a wife and full-time stay-at-home mother which brought her the most incredible joy,” as per the obituary.

Data recordings from the vehicle that hit Atkinson confirmed that speeding was not a factor, the DPD said on Wednesday, January 3, as per WALA-TV. They also stated that the driver was returning home from an overnight work shift and was not impaired. "Neither alcohol nor excessive speed is believed to have played a role in this incident," said the police.

What did the authorities say about the accident?

“We believe the back hatch of the truck came open and a piece of luggage fell out and came open on the highway and scattered clothing which she stopped and tried to pick up ... along with another family member," DPD Captain Reginald Ardis said, per a previous WALA-TV report. Additional investigation into the accident is ongoing.

Services for Atkinson will be held Saturday, January 13, at The Venue at Hidden Lake in Silverhill, according to her obituary.