MONROE, Louisiana -- Five members of a Louisiana family were killed on their way to Walt Disney World in Florida. Michael and Trudi Hardman, both elementary school teachers, were on their way to Disney World with their kids Wednesday night when Louisiana State Troopers said their SUV rolled over after striking a median.
"We talked to the 16-year-old driver, who lived — he was properly restrained," Michael Reichardt of Louisiana State Police said. "He said he fell asleep, when he went off of the road — off to the left — he veered back to the right and there was nothing he could do."
Of the eight passengers, six passengers, who apparently weren't wearing seat belts, were ejected. Both parents and three of their children – ages four, seven, and 15 – were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Hardman family
"One of this kids that passed away was one of our students and one of them that survived was one of our students here at the high school," Wills Point High School principal Jim Lamb said. "The kids were a tremendous blow, but just an entire family was a tremendous, tremendous blow for us."
Three of the children, including the 16-year-old driver, survived.
Folks back in Terrell and Wills Point are reeling from the loss of two teachers and the three of their children.
Wills Point ISD sent out a statement: "Words cannot express the sadness in our hearts today … Please keep the family and their friends in your thoughts and prayers."
