Mexia Daily News - Apr. 7, 2004 edition


Fairfield woman dies from wreck injuries Tuesday

A Fairfield woman lost her life in a Tuesday morning collision about four miles
west of Mexia on Highway 84.

Pronounced dead at 8:20 a.m. was Kathy Patterson, 51. She had been taken by
Mexia Ambulance Service to Hillcrest Hospital-Waco, following the four-vehicle
wreck which occurred about 6:40.

Patterson, driving a 1999 Chevrolet westbound on Highway 84, was struck by an
eastbound 2002 Dodge driven by Floyd Bluitt, also 51, of Mexia. Bluitt was
transported to Parkview Regional Hospital by Mexia Ambulance, with cuts and
bruises.

Investigating Limestone County Department of Public Safety Trooper Jim Willis
said Bluitt's pickup veered into the path of the Fairfield woman's vehicle,
causing the fatal crash.

A 1998 Chevrolet, driven by Erica Esparza, 20, of Thornton, came upon the
collision, sought to avoid the vehicles and veered to the left. When she did
that, she was struck by a Pontiac, driven by Thomas Lewis, 44, of Fairfield. He
required no hospitalization. Esparza was taken to Parkview Regional Hospital
for treatment. Esparza and Bluitt were both reported to be in good condition at
Parkview.

Trooper Willis said seat belts were worn by Paterson, Esparza and Lewis. Bluitt
did not have on a seat belt.

Willis is still investigating the wreck.

Heavy rain was falling at the time of the collision.