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Four-car Crash Orphans 4 Fairfax Co. Girls
posted 10/26/09 5:35 pm
ABC 7 News - Four-car Crash Orphans 4 Fairfax Co. Girls
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FAIRFAX STATION, Va. - Four girls are orphans after a car crash in Fairfax County (web | news) killed both of their parents Saturday night.

"They had spent the whole day together doing the soccery family stuff and then were coming home," said Cathy Melanson. Her sister, Jeanne Merrill, 42, and brother-in-law, Mike Merrill, 47, were on their way home after getting takeout in Springfield. Mike was driving, Jeanne in the passenger seat, and three of their four daughters sat in the back of the car.

A 13-year-old, 3-year-old and 18-month-old. The couple's 9-year-old daughter was with a friend.

Just after the Rolling Road exit on the Fairfax County Parkway, another driver lost control of her car and hit the Merrills' SUV. Police say the impact forced's the family's vehicle across the median into the path of an oncoming pickup truck.



The girls survived, but paramedics pronounced Jeanne and Mike dead on the scene. Melanson and her parents got the news at the hospital, where the surviving girls were sent.

"Big hole missing," Melanson said. "I mean, Jeanne and I grew up together. It was always Cathy and Jeanne. It's a little heart wrenching for their not to be a Jeanne."

The family is gathered at the Merrills' home to mourn and to care for the girls, Mike and Jeanne's surviving legacy.

"Wonderful parents, wonderful," Melanson said. "The beauty of it is we have four safe, healthy, wonderful girls. So Mike and Jeanne's future is secure because their kids are okay."

The crash remains under investigation. Police say they don't believe speed and alcohol played a role in the crash, but detectives are investigating the possibility that weather conditions may have been a factor.

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Latest Comments on "Four-car Crash Orphans 4 Fairfax Co. Girls"
posted by: No cell phone too on 10:08 am on 10/28/09
I was in the traffic jam right after this occurred. I was coming back from dinner heading toward the Kingstowne area. The stretch of highway where this accident occurred (especially at the bend just right after the rolling road exit) is very dangerous. It's a six lane road with a small hump median strip that is easily crossable, if someone isn't paying attention. If you drive that portion, there is a burn mark on the road from a fire caused by the same type of accident last year and a small cross sits on the side. It?s been left there as a reminder. One other thing to mention; right after this accident was cleared where the little girls lost their parents (prayers are with them), another accident very similar in nature occurred about 100 yards from that very spot. Weather does play a roll, but so does peoples? feet on the pedal. The road is winding and I have seen folks travel up to 70-80 MPH, go around that first bend and that's all it takes. Trust me , when I set the cruise control at 52 and folks fly by me as if I'm standing still, it's definitely over 70. A blind man could see that. My minivan at 55 hugs the road in that spot ok, but you can feel the inertia pull on it. It's not just the speed at which folks travel that need improved, it's the road where the accident occurred. Solution to this type of accident from happening (I'm sure it's been mentioned) is a jersey type wall constructed on that stretch; speed limit needs to come down between Rolling road and green springs drive/ Hooes Road park. Folks need to be cautious out there as well.

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