Portland H.S. Senior Dies After Crash, Springfield Woman Charged

Portland High School senior dies two days after a crash…

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Photo courtesy Sumner County EMA

Portland H.S. Senior Dies After Crash, Springfield Woman Charged

SPRINGFIELD TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – A Portland High School senior has died two days after a crash in Portland and just one day before his graduation, and a Springfield woman has been charged.

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Nick Townsend

According to a THP report obtained by Smokey Barn News, 17-year-old Portland High School senior Nick Townsend was a passenger in 2010 Nissan Cube on Highway 52 at College Street when it was struck by another vehicle Friday night.

Nick Townsend was a passenger with his girlfriend and her mother on Highway 52 at College Street when the accident occurred,  they had just finished volunteering at a Special Olympics event, according to WKRN News 2.

According to the Portland Fire Department, all three had to be extricated from the car that ended up on its side in the crash.

Townsend was transported to TriStar Skyline Medical Center but passed away Sunday,  two days later the accident.

Laura Beasley
Laura Beasley  Photo Credit: WKRN News 2

Nick Townsend’s father, Trew Quackenbush, told News 2 that Nick was an organ donor and they were able to find recipients for all of his organs.

The other two passengers, Nick’s girlfriend and her mother, were treated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and released.

Townsend’s class graduated Saturday night. His diploma was accepted by his stepbrother and friend on his behalf, News 2 reported.

According to Portland High’s athletic website, Townsend was a midfielder for the soccer team. He planned to join the U.S. Army after high school.

Extra staff will be available at the school for the remainder of the week to provide grief counseling to staff and students.

Laura Beasley, 31,  of Springfield, was the driver of the other vehicle, a  2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

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Nick Townsend at graduation rehearsal, courtesy News 2

According to a the THP, Beasley is facing Vehicular Homicide, 2 Counts Of Vehicular Assault. DUI 1st Offense with a child enhancement and Reckless Endangerment.

Beasley’s 2 year old boy was in the vehicle with her and was not injured according to Tennessee Highway Patrol POI Bill Miller.

According to friends, Nick was an inspirational young man that was loved by all that knew him. He was wise beyond his years and had his life planned ahead of him. His dreams included work in military and police followed by life as a preacher. Unfortunately Nick passed away on May 17 at 10:04am.

Smokey’s thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy.

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Comments (2)

  1. Allan ank May 29, 2015
  2. afootupyours May 19, 2015
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