Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

The number of accidents that I have seen on Ives Rd in front of Goddard Park is alarming and confusing. If you were to drive down Ives Rd some day, you would find it is a pleasant drive on a wooded road that sort of meanders. It doesn't seem like a dagerous road with "S" curves or switch backs. It is very disheartning to hear of another loss of life for someone so young.

Oh my God, what a tragedy,two young women with their whole lives ahead of them. To all of you younger folks out there, please, please wear your seatbelts...it could save your life.

I think it's an awful shame how some young adults stil have the notion "it won't happen to me". It can happen to anyone. And please, always wear your seatbelt. They do save lives. That's what they are there for. My heart goes out to the family of these young women.

I usually drive down that road in the summer when friends and i head to Goddard State Park. I can't recall now if there's a sign warning drivers to slow down, but if there have been previous fatalities as stated by Lt. LaForce, there should definitely be a few signs stressing the potential danger ahead.

My warm condoleances to their families and friends.

Too bad for these girls. But they are responsble for their own deaths. No seatbelts, and speeding, and maybe drinking. In today's day and age, with seatbeat laws and all the public education campaigns about the importance of seatbelts, there is no excuse for not wearing a seatbelt.

i hve done landscaping on that stretch of road.people have driven by so fast that they even ran over our safety cones,signs are posted in many places where the speed limit goes from 35mph.to 25mph.but they ignore it.

I am very saddened to hear that two young women were killed on Ives road. Five years ago this March my friend Jon Craig and Chad Leah were also killed driving on this same road. I wish the residents on Ives road who kept removing our memorials had left them, maybe they would have reminded young drivers of the dangers of speeding and not wearing seatbelts. My only hope is the families of these women get through this and that these are the last people to loose thier lives on this road.

I knew Kel for 6 years. She was a fine and caring young woman. She lit up a room and loved to laugh. She taught me courage through her own tough times.

Once again to my dismay, two more lives are tragically gone due to circumstances no one but the driver could have avoided. That's 10 auto related deaths since the beginning of the year in Rhode Island. Cell phones, text messaging, speeding, drinking, no seat belts and many more all contribute to these deaths. When wil it end? Apparently never.

For every one who sees this accident as the girls fault, just try to look back and remember being that age. How much fun it was to cruise with your friends. It could have been any one of us. I sure can remember some dangerous situations I had gotten myself into. Maybe this one for a thought, yes maybe she was going a little fast, but how do you know she didn't swerve to avoid hitting a squirrel or a rabbit?
God Bless these girls in their journey home. My deepest regards to family and friends. How Horrible it must have been for you, Kelly's boyfriend, to find the accident, my prayers are with you.

I lived in Potowumut for 30+yrs and drove that road. People would pass if you were doing the speed limit. It could be a very dangerous road especially at night. This is a shame but the more reason to wear the seat belt. But who knows if that would have helped.

It is a tragic shame to lose two lives in such a quick minute! I knew one of the girls, KelliAnn, and she was such a friendly girl who loved life and all animals. My heart goes out to both families! Please-all drivers out there-Slow Down!

Kelly-ann and me were best friends. I can't this happened, and I don't know how. Kelly-ann ALWAYS went the speed limit and she would never drive drunk. Kel was the best friend you could ever have and the best person you could ever know.

It is no body's business but your own whether or not you wear a seat-belt , no way in hell it should be a law and contrary to some people's comments it doesn't make it any less sad when someone who chose not to wear one is killed. Do you big fans of the seat-belt law think that motorcycles should be outlawed ? It only makes sense by your logic, because riding a motorcycle (even with a helmet)is far more dangerous than driving a car without a seat-belt. If cops have nothing better to do than pull people over (which bye the way often creates a hazardous situation for other drivers by partially blocking a lane) for not wearing their seat-belts, we need a lot fewer cops! Thoughts and prayers to the families. Jeff W , Potowomut PS. "A man who gives up liberty for safety deserves neither"

I have driven down that road several time at night, and I have to say that road is incredibly dark. I have trouble seeing even with my high-beams on.. So I think better lighting of the road may have prevented this. The city needs to do something about this if it a continual occurance!!
My condolences to the families.

R.I.P. Kelly Ann & Heather
i will miss you, we will miss you.

This accident is very saddening for many who knew both of the young women and their families. I had known Heather from attending the same church about ten years ago and unfortunately Heather and myself never attended the same academic schools. I really never had a true chance to tell her how much I cared about her or the chance to get to know her better. I do send my sincerest regards to both the Drew and Richer families in this time of sadness.

I live down here, and often you see trees decorated with flowers. Several have died on that streach of road. Tragic. It doesn't look like a bad angel, but it sure is. My sympathies to the two families of the girls, and their frineds. It's a terrible part of the road. And to whoever suggested lighting? When the Goddards gave the park to the state, they deemed no lighting or overhead wires would be allowed, it's why we have no lights or overhead phone wires.

I don't know when young people will understand that partying and driving do not mix...I'm thinking they never will! As a mom of 4 teens/young adults this is my greatest fear. My heart bleeds for their families...may they rest in peace!

a mom

These were two very good, warm, sweet, friendly girls that did NOT deserve to die. If you have nasty things to say about them just because they weren't wearing seatbelts, keep it to yourself. They were smart girls, and they probably weren't wearing seat belts because it was a 2 minute drive. They both lived in Potowomut, and Ives Road is exteremely dangerous, especially at night. The chances that Kelly Ann swerved to avoid hitting an animal are quite large. I have feared for my life several times on that road because people drive terribly down it, not expecting anything to happen. However, Kelly Ann and Heather were smart. It's a tragedy that they're gone. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

RIP girls, I wish we had been closer. You will be greatly missed by everyone who's lives you touched.

Jeff W.....driving is not a right, it is a privilege....keep quoting others about your "rights"...driving is not guaranteed by the Constitution, my un-learned friend..."I have a RIGHT to SPEED, I have a RIGHT to drive without my seatbelt"....Ummm, NO, YOU DON'T!!! The PEOPLE make the rules thru the process of VOTING and ELECTING Legislators!!! If you don't like the RULES/LAWS, work to change them!!

Heather and I were friends in elementary school. We used to talk on the phone after school all of the time, get together once in a while and I think we went bowling a few times. It has been a long tme, and somehowever at one point or another, we lost touch. I dont know how it happened and I guess it doesnt matter. I remember we had a blow out at one point. It is a chilling feeling you get when you learn that someone that you were friends with, who is your age has died. Its really a slap at in the face, how easily a life can be taken away.

God bless Joanne above for saying maybe the driver was even trying to avoid an animal! How dare everyone make judgment. The bottom line is that two families are devastated as are all the young people who are friends with these two girls. These girls were in my son's circle of friends and I can tell you, these kids are in terrible pain over this loss. It's one thing to make comments on what could be done to make the road safer. Don't comment on the actions of these girls because you don't know.

I cannot believe this has happened. My heart goes out to both their families. I knew Heather and she was a wonderful girl.

To all that have come here to judge and leave insensitive comments, please take them elsewhere. They were beautiful young women and did not deserve one bit of this. I feel sorry for anyone who has the audacity to leave such rude and heartless comments at a time like this about people they did not know. Please let these women's families and friends grieve in peace.

Kel and Heather were really close friends to me, almost like blood. They helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. I was literally with Heather at least 3 or 4 times a week. I wish more people got to truly know them and how beautiful they were. This is a horrible, horrible mistake, but I hope their presence lives on. They were some of the most caring, happy and loving people I've ever encountered. I love you girls more than anything. Rest peacefully.

I knew Kelli and she was a great person, an excellent horsewoman. She and I rode together and she will be very sadly missed!

RJT.. I couldnt have said it better. At 47 I look back and wonder how many nights it could have been me, or someone I hit drunk. Back in the day a cop would offer us a ride home or to sleep it off on the side of the road. I feel for the family as they will suffer for life wondering if they could have done something. The answer is no. Kids will always be kids. We pray our kids dont do what we did. We pray our kids somehow get home before 1am. At 47 we see the world differently than through the eyes of someone 21... but we need to remember we once saw the world like that... Lets take a moment next time to remind our own kids how much we love them and to kiss them before they leave the house next time... we think we know what they do.. but do we.. I know my parents dont know 5% of what I did.. Times have changed.. but not as much as you think. Dont judge these kids.. they are no different than our own.. or ourselves. The only thing differently is that they wont turn 47 and have the opportunity to reflect like those like me who were just plain lucky... Peace to the families.. my prayers are with you.

i'v known heather & her family for some time now it hurt to lose someone you know. best wishes to the hole family. "Heather you will be missed"
love always
The Pruenca Family

Kellianne used to live with me a few years ago. we had our problemsm, but i am really sorry that this happened. She was never one to drink and drive, or speed. I am sorry that the families and friends have to go thru such a terrible ordeal

When I was a young boy and throughout my whole life (until my mom passed away) she always said..."I just read in the paper about a by your age that --fill in the blank--- , so be careful". And I would hate that. When I read THIS story it made me wish I could email to her and say she was right. I have 16 and 19 year old sons. Should I email it to them???? I think I will. Very sad!

Instead of finding fault with the driver and passenger of this car, we should be more concerned about making Ives road safer. LIGHTS are a MAJOR factor here. Not everyone killed on Ives Rd was suspected of drinking and driving. I have had near misses myself due to the lack of light, the speed of others traveling far to close to the back of my car at high speeds, and wild animals running in front of my vehicle. Let's stop lashing out at the 2 young lives that were just lost, and find a way to save lives instead! I knew Heather well. She was a very talented young woman who was loved by many and will be missed a great deal. I had not met Kelly, but heard the same wonderful things about her. Let's not loose any more of our children.

Please let me say : Firstly how would it have been for Heather to have survived uninjured seeing her friend dead. Secondly let me say neither Heather nor our second born daughters had driver's licenses young. Heather at 18 did not drive a car. Why you may ask? Use your head I say......Thirdly I have to say wich one of you can honestly say I forgot to put on my seat belt I am only going down the street . I have driven safely thousands of times. Stand on the side of Ives Rd experience the butterflies as cars wizzzz by that same oddly curved road you really are unaware of as you drive it. I am a mom a woman who cares known not to drink or use drugs yes even as a teen. However perfect no not by a long shot.... All perfect people please know I understand your scoldings. As for me I can only say God help me and remind me to drive with curtisey and caution and be slow to wrath and quick to forgive........... Nancy Heather's loving mother who is crushed.

Please, I forgot to mention that after viewing the car it is hard to believe that a seat belt would have made a diffrence. Heather was a wonderful, fun loving,girl, she was somewhat reserved even while being quiete the comedian.Let me tell you first hand seat belts are good. However I have friends in the automotive industry, side impact is the worst thing to happen fatalities common, seat belt or not. Anyone interested in commenting on make model and statistics in an educated manor concerning side impact accidents let's talk.

Heather is my best friend. I hear Ms. Drew when she pointed out that everyone can forget to put on their seat belt every once in a while especially when they're only driving down the street. But whether or not she should have been wearing one is irrelevant and stupid anyways. The fact is she wasn't wearing one and that's it. I wish people could stop saying "what if" because it can't change history. RIP baby girls I love you guys more than anything.

They were my best friends.I just cannot believe that this happened.They did not deserve this.I miss them so much and wish they were still here.Me and the rest of our friends miss them with all of our hearts and will be loved forever.I also would like to point out that we should stop the "what if's" also.The fact is is that they passed away and let them rest in peace.But they will be remembered forever.Rest In Peace my girls.

i knew kelly ann when i started to work at c&l stables where she was. i was 10.form the moment i met her, i knew she was someone i could trust and confide in. i looked up to her as a role model and a friend. she will never be forgotten. rest in peace my friend, and watch over us from your place in heaven.

I took riding lessons at C&L for a couple of years. KellyAnn taught me. She was my role model, my idol. I trusted her more than anyone. I've never met anyone who was so full of life like she was. It's a godawful tragedy and I'll miss her like hell. I never met Heather, but I know she will be truly missed. They touched so many lives, and it's hard to think of life without them.
My heart goes out to their families. Rest in peace. We love you and we'll miss you.