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Stumble18-year-old UNLV student killed in suspected DUI crash
Published Monday, April 20, 2009 | 1:57 p.m.
Updated Monday, April 20, 2009 | 6:41 p.m.
Lindsay Bennett
Crash location
UPDATED STORY: Hundreds mourn Rebel Girl killed in I-215 crash
An 18-year-old UNLV student has died from injuries suffered late Wednesday in a crash involving a suspected drunken driver.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office identified the student as Lindsay Mychael Bennett of Las Vegas, who died after she was struck by a driver going the wrong way shortly before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the 215 Beltway and Windmill Avenue.
The cause of her death was several blunt force trauma injuries from the collision, a spokeswoman for the coroner’s office said. She died of her injuries Friday night, authorities said today.
She would have turned 19 today. Her former teammates from the Coronado High School dance team were spending the evening at her house with her family marking her birthday, dance coach Ginger Rossiter said.
Since the crash Wednesday night, “the girls have stayed very close. They have found comfort in each other and have been kind of staying together all day and all night,” Rossiter said. “They are having a hard time coping, doing the best they can.”
Bennett was captain of the dance team her junior and senior years and received a varsity letter in dance all four years, Rossiter said.
She provided the leadership that helped the team go from barely competitive her junior year to winning a national championship her senior year, Rossiter said.
“She did not accept the failures we had during her junior year,” Rossiter said. “She overcame those with a positive attitude. She was a fighter.”
Bennett graduated with honors in 2008 and went on to UNLV, where she was a Rebel Girl, Rossiter said.
Bennett was majoring in architecture and was always doodling and making cards for her friends, said Jenn Singer, who was friends with Bennett since they were 11.
A vigil in Bennett’s honor is scheduled for Tuesday night at UNLV. Services have been scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 130 N. Pecos Road, in Henderson.
The suspected impaired driver was taken to University Medical Center’s trauma center and released Thursday, said Trooper Kevin Honea of the Nevada Highway Patrol. He has been booked into the Clark County Detention Center, but has not been identified, Honea said.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing.
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Poor girl. A young life cut short thanks to the stupidity and irresponsibility of some jerk. My condolences to Miss Bennett's family, and to the drunk driver, may you rot in prison for the rest of your miserable life.
I second LT2LV's comment. I actually knew Lindsay and she was one hell of a person. You wouldn't find anyone who could find one bad thing to say about her. She will surely be missed. My condolences go out to Jan, Mike, Andrew and the rest of the family. We lost one great girl.
To the jerk who decided to drink and drive.....my mom always said if you didn't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all. Words couldn't describe how I felt anyways.
We are friends of the Bennetts, and my daughter and Lindsay have been friends since middle school. She was a beautiful, intelligent, and kind-hearted person who has been cheated out of living her dreams.
What I want to know is how many prior DUI's this guy has? Because you and I both know that this is probably not his first offense. I'm so sick and tired of these drunk asses getting off with a just a slap on the wrist. He took Lindsay's life and should pay the ultimate price for his actions. When are stricter laws going to be passed so that these losers don't get two or three cracks at ending a life?
I am begging everyone to think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking, because you're not just making a decision about your own life- you're making a decision for an entire family.
We will always love you, Lindsay.
The loser who was so drunk he drove the wrong way on the freeway needs to get life in prison. What an a-hole. And I don't wanna hear any bs excuses from people who after they name him, coming on here saying he's such a nice guy blah blah blah, murdering db.
My prayers and hearfelt condolences go to the Bennett family. I have kids who drive in Las Vegas and I am in constant fear they will be injured by a drunk driver. Is it not time that we begin punishing first time DUI offenders to the point where driving drunk is not worth it? By the second offense, they should be denied a license. In addition, we need to find out who and where served them the last drink and they need to be held liable too.
That's a tragedy. My condolences go out to her family. I've always thought drunk driving laws were way too lax on punishment. There should be an automatic death penalty any time someone drives under the influence and causes an accident in which someone dies. People are selfish and need laws with consequences that will really effect them, so they will think twice about driving under the influence.
This insanity has to stop. Stiffer penalties for all criminals and especially drunk drivers.
Throw the book at that POS drunk driver!!!!!!!!
I think I remember that guy. He was initially booked for DUI accident with substantial bodily harm. Has since been re booked for DUI death. I hope he rots.
I'm outraged by such a senseless death. My condolences go out to her brother Kyle and her family and friends. Investigation into the incedent may change laws.
this is a tragedy no family should have to go through. Everyone pay attention to your friends more when you're out and about, I don't let my friends drive drunk anymore. Many first time offenders who receive DUI's learn their lessons, but the risk of life is too great. You are your brothers keeper.
The DUI laws are not too lax. They are just not enforced. Use the laws we have and keep the drunken bastards in jail instead of on the streets. Get rid of the judges who let the drunks off the hook.
For one,this person should have never been behind the wheel,thats what taxi s and tow trucks are for! And second, when it comes out how intoxicated this person was,reguardless of % the person that let him leave in that state should be held accountable as well! After all,we have to take that class to get a tam card,seems someone didnt pick up on just how tanked this person was.My condolences on the families loss! This child was our future,and to loose her at such an early age, and in this manner is more than irresponcible,its an outrage!!! If you happen to behind a suspected druck driver,call 311. They will ask simple questions,and derections. It may take you a few mins out of your time,but it just might save another family in just such a sensless manner!!!
My heart breaks for all those broken hearts.
Wouldn't it be nice if before an establishment could sell you alcohol that you'd first have to blow into a breathalyzer. How hard would that be, really?
Coast is so little when you compare the long term coast every broken heart has to endure.
Think what could happen if establishment that serve alcohol were mandated by law to use these machines.
Why this isn't law already is beyond me.
love to all Lindsay's family and friends.