From Trussville Tribune staff reports
TUSCALOOSA –Bethany Joyce Harris, 19, of Empire, died when she was thrown from her vehicle at 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday after she struck an embankment and a tree. But her body was not located until 2:30 p.m., according to Trooper Reginald King.
King said Harris’ body had been thrown into a wooded area near the 68 mile marker in Tuscaloosa. Harris was not wearing a seatbelt.
Harris was a cheerleader at the University of West Alabama in Livingston where she was also a sorority member. The university made counselors available for any students and faculty members who may need their services.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and we express our sincere condolences to Bethany’s family,” the university statement said. “She has many friends at UWA and will be greatly missed by the campus community, throughout which she was known and will be remembered for her dedication in the classroom and on the sidelines of Tiger athletics as a cheerleader. She was also very active in greek life on campus. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bethany’s family and close friends during this devastating time.”