Latric e Dodson, a 46-year-old school crossing guard in Clarksville, Tennessee, was killed in a head-on crash on Dec. 19 after a westbound vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic. The driver and a juvenile passenger from Dodson’s vehicle were airlifted to Nashville-area hospitals and reported stable. Dodson’s daughter survived but suffered two broken arms and a fractured pelvis and is being treated at Children’s Hospital. The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending; investigators ask anyone with information to contact FACT Investigator Castillo.
Mom and Beloved Clarksville Crossing Guard Killed in Head-On Crash; Daughter Seriously Injured
GofundmeLatrice Dodson
A beloved school crossing guard in Clarksville, Tennessee, has been identified as the woman who died after a multi-vehicle head-on collision on Dec. 19, authorities said. The community is mourning the loss of Latrice Dodson, 46, who served students at local elementary schools while her family and neighbors rally to support her injured daughter.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Clarksville Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, on 101st Airborne Division Parkway between Peachers Mill Road and the West Fork Bridge. A westbound vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and struck an eastbound car head-on.
GofundmeLatrice Dodson
Victims and injuries: The front-seat female passenger in the eastbound vehicle suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The eastbound vehicle’s driver and a juvenile back-seat passenger were both airlifted to Nashville-area hospitals and reported to be in stable condition. The driver of the vehicle that crossed the center line was taken to Tennova Healthcare and treated for minor injuries.
Identification and service: On Monday, Dec. 22, police identified the deceased as 46-year-old Latrice Dodson. Dodson served as a school crossing guard with the Clarksville Police Department, supporting Kenwood Elementary School and Ringgold Elementary School. The department said she began her service with the school safety team in August and was dedicated to protecting students and supporting the Clarksville community.
GofundmeLatrice Dodson
Family impact and fundraiser: A GoFundMe created for Dodson’s family confirmed her daughter was a passenger in the eastbound vehicle. The fundraiser states the child survived but sustained two broken arms and a fractured pelvis and is receiving care at Children’s Hospital. The page described a likely long recovery, both physically and emotionally. As of publication, the fundraiser had raised $7,550 of an $11,000 goal to help cover funeral, medical and rehabilitation expenses.
“She was everywhere, and she spread her love everywhere she went,” said Dodson’s brother, Tommy, describing her wide community support.
Investigation: The Clarksville Police Department said the crash remains under investigation and that charges are pending. Anyone with information is asked to contact FACT Investigator Castillo at (931) 648-0656, ext. 5150.
The community has expressed an outpouring of support for Dodson’s family, and local groups and neighbors continue to assist as details of the crash are developed.
