Caney Creek Fire Department was dispatched just after 2 a.m. Wednesday morning to a reported major accident in the 12800 block of FM 1485. MCHD was first to arrive on the scene and found a 2002 Saturn that had struck a utility pole. The vehicle snapped off not one but two utility poles which were paired next to each other. In addition, the top of the pole snapped leaving 35,000 volts hanging overhead. Fire crews called for additional help from River Plantation Fire Department, Using three sets of tools it was a joint effort between firefighters, MCHD medics, deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and wrecker drivers to free the two teens from the twisted metal mass. After almost an hour, with the high voltage lines hanging just over their heads they were able to free the two and start medical care.
The male driver is Daniel Freund, 18-years-old. He was transported to Ben Taub Hospital in Houston in critical condition.
The female passenger has been identified as a 16-year-old Halie Mcdonald a Caney Creek High School student. . She was transported to Hermann Hospital in Houston in critical condition with a severe head injury, internal injuries, and broken bones. She was pronounced dead a short time later.
Due to fog at the time Air Medical Services were unavailable.
Troopers investigated the crash as Entergy workers stood by to start making repairs and to restore service. DPS Troopers say they are not ruling out speed or alcohol as contributing to the crash. Early investigation shows the vehicle was southbound at a high rate of speed when it entered a curve. Running off the edge of the road the vehicle slid sideways into the pole.
The posted speed limit in the area is 50 m.p.h.
Warren Diepraam with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office Vehicular Crimes Unit is assisting in the investigation.
Is there a status update on Daniel Freund and his family? Blessings and prayers for them also.
This is a horrible tragedy and my prayers r with the familys. Can we have an update as to what happened was alcohol involved or just high speed and is the boy expected to recover?
I’m a Freshman at caney creek I barely knew Halie but she seemed really nice always kind to every one and had that sweet smile it breaks my heart to know that we lost another student my prayers go out to all those family’s
THanks to our emergency crue to all the good work you do. god bless to all the family’s of the few that was lost, maybe people can learn to obey the law and drive right so we wont have to settle with this. Rest in peace Halie Mcdonald i will miss you, you was a great friend and girl to have around :( sorry this had to happen. All family’s you are in my prayer’s
Tragedy! Our prayers go out to the families. Some teenage drivers do not seem to realize just how vulnerable they are to being killed in a speeding auto. Shock value may or may not help but, the car should be parked in a public place where high school kids can see what can happen in an instant of carelessness.
Daniel Freund is also a senior at CCHS.
Thank you to our emergency crews for all you do. God Bless you guys (and gals) and keep you safe out there.
Prayers for Halie’s family and friends.
This is so so sad…I cannot believe another Caney Creek Student has become an Angel. We had had so many this past year. My prayers go out to the family and to the others that have lost their loved ones from Caney Creek.
This breaks my heart. I pray the families have peace.
Very sad.