Austin Police Identify Woman, Infant Killed In Crash Involving Tractor Trailer

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX — Police on Monday identified the woman and child who were killed last week after the driver crashed into the back of a tractor trailer.

Kendra Deanne Jayne Gomez, 29, and Serenity Fay Prophit, who was just 18 months old, were killed after police said the driver failed to keep a safe distance as it traveled behind a Peterbilt tractor truck.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the tractor was traveling eastbound in the 10000 block of East Highway 290 eastbound service road in the center lane when it slowed down for the red light at the southbound SH 130 service road. It was then when a 2012 black Toyota Yaris followed too closely, hitting the trailer from in the back.

The two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology tests are pending to determine if alcohol consumption on the part of the drive contributed to the wreck.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call police at (512) 974-5789. Tips also can be submitted by downloading the Austin Police Department app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

The deadly accident represented the 65th fatal traffic crash in Austin so far this year. During last year's comparable period, there were 91 traffic fatalities in Austin.

>>> Image via Shuterstock