Police are investigating after they say a pregnant Georgia Chick-fil-A manager and her unborn baby died in an out-of-state car crash involving a prison transport van. The fatal crash took place in northwest Florida less than 24 hours before the woman's baby shower was set to occur and also sent seven others to hospitals.
The Panama City Police Department reported the early Saturday morning two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of Highway 231 and Highway 390 in Bay County.
The wreck location is about 17 miles north east of Panama City Beach.
About 12:15 a.m., a Bay County Sheriff’s Office prisoner transport van was driving north on Highway 231 when according to a preliminary investigation, a Honda sedan traveling behind it failed to yield and crashed into the back of the van, deputy police Chief John Moore told USA TODAY Tuesday.
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Driver of Honda, Kristen Clark, 33, pronounced dead at hospital
According to police eight people including the driver of the Honda and three prisoners in the van were taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries suffered in the crash.
The driver of the Honda, identified by police as Kristen Clark, 33, of Donalsonville, Georgia, was among those transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
USA TODAY has reached out to the sheriff's office.
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Bainbridge Chick-fil-A Marketing Director Krystal Apke told WALB-TV Clark had worked at the location for four years and said her co-workers had planned to host a baby shower for her on Sunday.
Described as a remarkable team leader and a loyal and fierce friend, Clark was "a mother figure to many and a sister to us all," the Bainbridge-based store posted on its Facebook page.
"It is with great sadness that we share the news that our Co-General Manager, coworker, friend, and family member Kristen Brooke Clark, along with her unborn baby Asher Blaze have passed away in a tragic car accident," the Bainbridge Chick-fil-A wrote. "She gave of her time, love, talent, and resources to make sure her team felt loved and supported. This loss is one we will be feeling for a while as she has been a part of our team from Day 1. It was truly our pleasure to love you back. "
The business asked for prayers for Clark's family.
"Our hearts go out to those involved and their families," police posted on its Facebook page.
The crash remained under investigation on Tuesday, police told USA TODAY.
Anyone who witnessed the wreck is asked to contact Panama City police.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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