By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— A car accident off of I-59 near Collinsville late last week resulted in the tragic death of a Sylvania woman’s unborn child and serious injury to a brave police officer who was sideswiped by another vehicle during his attempt to provide assistance to the crash victim. Brittany Owens of Sylvania who was involved in the wreck, was 37 weeks pregnant and expected to give birth to a baby girl any time in the next few days.

Owens was rushed to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga where doctors delivered her daughter by emergency C-section Thursday night. Newborn Bella Owens was on life support but ultimately would not recover, passing away Sunday night according to family who asked for prayers as they go through this difficult time.

Collinsville Police Officer Jeremy Bell who responded to the accident, was sideswiped at the scene of the crash by an 18-wheeler as he was exiting his squad car to provide assistance to Owens and her unborn child as their lives hung in the balance.  A very popular figure in the town of Collinsville, Bell has seen an outpouring of support, not only from friends and family, but from the community as a whole.

Alabama State Troopers are investigating both accidents.