Freestone County, Texas
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Baylor University's college newspaper - The Lariat - Oct. 24, 2000 edition

Freshman killed in head-on collision
Oct. 24, 2000 
Student, driver of other vehicle die at scene of wreck


By KIM APPEL

Reporter

A memorial service for Jillian McFadden, an Omaha, Neb., freshman, will be 
held at 9 p.m. Wednesday in Miller Chapel.

McFadden was killed at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday on U.S. Highway 84 near Teague
when the 1996 Nissan pickup she was driving collided head-on with a 1993 
Mercedes Benz. 

McFadden and the driver of the Mercedes, Juana Garcia of Fairfield, were 
pronounced dead at the scene.

Dr. Todd Lake, dean of chapel, said McFadden was traveling to Houston to spend
fall break with her uncle.

Lake said residents and staff members of South Russell Residence Hall, where
McFadden lived, gathered Sunday night for a time of sharing and prayer.

He said the gathering was the first time many of the students had heard of
McFadden's death. The mood was sorrowful, but the joy McFadden had brought to 
those around her was evident in the room, Lake said.

'There was a lightness in the air because Jillian was such a delightful young 
woman,' Lake said. 'She was the happy member of a losing intramural volleyball
team and the organizer of a talent show. This was someone who had a consistent
Christian life.'

South Russell resident assistants said McFadden's cheerful spirit and smile 
were unforgettable.

'She smiled all the time,' said Kristin Gassiott, a Midland junior and South 
Russell RA. 'She just had a real sweet spirit.'

Gassiott said McFadden was involved in the Baylor Executive Association of 
Residents and the Catholic Student Association.

Gassiott also described McFadden as family-oriented.

'Her little sister spent the weekend in the dorm for Parents Weekend,' 
Gassiott said. 'She was just a really good sister, showing her sister around
and helping her out.'

Amanda Gunter, a Midland junior and South Russell RA, said McFadden was devoted
to the BEAR.

'She was a real leader,' Gunter said. 'At the BEAR talent show, her committee 
really didn't do much. [But] she took over and made things happen -- she did a 
great job. She excelled at everything.'

Gassiott said she estimated that 50 to 60 people attended Sunday's gathering. 
She said the large attendance was evidence of the impact McFadden's smile had 
on those around her.

'I thought it would just affect a few people,' Gassiott said, 'but it has 
really affected everyone -- it just hit so close to home. The hall is not 
going to be the same.'

A group of McFadden's friends and representatives from Baylor traveled Monday 
to Omaha for the wake and funeral service. The service will be held today at 
11:30 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church.