Moore Senior Laid To Rest After Tragic Hit-And-Run

Rachel Freeman won’t be running in state this year. The accomplished 17-year old cross-country runner was one of six students hit by an alleged drunk driver last Monday near Moore High School. Her funeral was Tuesday, February 11 at First Moore Bapt

Tuesday, February 11th 2020, 7:37 pm

By: Bonnie Campo

Moore Senior Laid To Rest After Tragic Hit-And-Run

Rachel Freeman won’t be running in state this year. The accomplished 17-year-old cross-country runner was one of six students hit by an alleged drunk driver last Monday near Moore High School.

Her funeral was Tuesday, February 11 at First Moore Baptist Church.

Hundreds gathered to share loving memories and stories about Rachel.

Family invited News 9 to the funeral so that Rachel’s story could reach thousands, and also be shared with Rachel’s family in Illinois.

Speakers said she was a blessing to all those who truly knew her, and her life was something to celebrate.

“Life is wonderful. God is all knowing and has a plan and he has a plan for each of us. He loves each of us a great deal,” said Chip Romjue, Rachel’s Uncle.

On the day of the crash, Rachel and her teammates were jogging on the sidewalk for cross-country practice. Police said that’s when Max Townsend jumped the curb, going nearly 80 mph and hit the children with his pickup and took off. Witnesses said they found him crashed out about a block away.

Investigators believe he was intoxicated and mourning the recent loss of his own son, Cody Townsend.

Rachel died on scene.

Yuridia Martinez also passed away from injuries sustained in the crash.

The Cleveland County District Attorney has since filed 13 charges against Max Townsend.

Over 40 students and coaches witnessed the incident and many rushed to help.

Other children have been released from the hospital, all but Kolby Crum. At last check, Crum was on a ventilator and in a coma.

“As a staff, as a team, we call it a family,” said Stefen Seifried, Rachel’s coach.

Rachel was known the lead the pack, both on and off the field. Her endurance made her a compassionate friend, avid athlete and loving daughter. Over the past week, the halls of Moore High School have felt emptier without her.

Her mother, Jody Freeman, said her daughter’s life can be used as a ministry. Rachel was full of hope and cared about those around her.

“I am standing here, not on my own strength, but on the strength on my Lord and savior,” said Jody.

While some say Rachel’s life was cut short, and question where God was on the day of the accident, Rachel’s family and pastor said that she finished the race she was meant to run.

“Where was God last Monday afternoon? Where was God,“ asked Pastor Greg Keenen. “I read in Psalm 39, you know where God was? He was with Rachel. He was holding Rachel. When that truck flew over the sidewalk God was with Rachel.”

As a community Moore will continue to pray for the lives touched by this tragedy.

Bonnie Campo

Boomer Sooner! Bonnie Campo is thrilled to be at News 9 as a native Oklahoman. She was born and raised in Norman and has worked all around the country.

","published":"2020-02-12T01:37:52.000Z","updated":"2020-02-12T21:20:41.000Z","summary":"Rachel Freeman won’t be running in state this year. The accomplished 17-year old cross-country runner was one of six students hit by an alleged drunk driver last Monday near Moore High School. Her funeral was Tuesday, February 11 at First Moore Bapt","affiliate":{"_id":"5cc353fe1c9d440000d3b70f","callSign":"kwtv","origin":"https://www.news9.com"},"contentClass":"news","createdAt":"2020-03-06T16:39:18.049Z","updatedAt":"2020-03-31T17:28:15.360Z","__v":1,"breakingNews":[],"show":true,"link":"/story/5e627cb6cd4aa89d1b92f8f6/moore-senior-laid-to-rest-after-tragic-hitandrun","hasSchedule":false,"id":"5e627cb6cd4aa89d1b92f8f6"};