Waxahachie,TX : Annie’s List executive director killed by 18-wheeler in Waxahachie crash Interstate-35E on Monday June 2nd 2014.

The executive director of Annie’s List was killed in a wreck on Interstate-35E after the car in which she was riding got rear-ended by a tractor trailer.

Grace Garcia, 59, of Austin died at the scene. She led Annie’s List, an organization which tries to get Democratic women elected to public office.

"Grace Garcia was the passionate, tough, visionary leader we needed at Annie's List. The best possible tribute to her life is to continue the work Grace started on behalf of Annie's List and women across Texas," said Amber Anderson Mostyn, Annie's List Board Chair. "Thoughts, prayers and privacy are appreciated at this time."

Waxahachie police said its officers were investigating another deadly accident Monday afternoon on the freeway in which a tractor overturned in a median killing a 36-year-old man from Waco who was mowing the grass.

Exactly one hour later, as traffic slowed for that crash, police got a second 911 call near FM 66.

“A car stopped in traffic that had slowed for the first accident was hit from behind by a semi-tractor trailer,” said Lt. Todd Woodruff, Waxahachie Police. “The 59-year-old Austin woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The car’s driver was transported to the hospital after being extricated by Waxahachie Fire Department.”

The accident happened in the northbound lanes of I-35E about 45-minutes south of Dallas. Garcia and the deputy director were heading to an event for Sen. Leticia Van de Putte in Dallas.

The deputy director is being treated at Dallas' Parkland Memorial Hospital and is expected to survive.

Condolences came from Democratic leaders from across the state.

“Grace did so much for me and for countless Texas women,” said Sen. Wendy Davis, Democratic nominee for governor. “She was a part of this extraordinary journey we've been working on together that wouldn't have been possible without her. I know she will be with us every step of the way in our hearts and will continue to inspire us every single day.”

“She was a fierce warrior for Texas women and equality. Texas has lost a giant,” said Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor.

Before joining Annie’s List, Garcia worked for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as a senior advisor in the Office of the Chief of Protocol. Prior to that, she ran her own public affairs firm.

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers are assisting with the accident investigation.


Source :
Annie’s List executive director killed by 18-wheeler in Waxahachie crash