Kentucky Girl Killed Enroute to American Idol Tryouts by Judy Chaffee

Police are investigating whether road rage was responsible for the tragic death of a Kentucky girl who was following her dream to become the next American Idol, according to Kentucky.com and WTVQ TV.

MaRhonda Collins and three members of her family, all from Midway, had planned their Florida vacation around American Idol auditions in Orlando. They were only about 16 miles north of the Florida border when their car struck another vehicle and burst into flames, killing all four passengers on July 2, 2009, Kentucky.com reported. The passengers in the other vehicles involved were not injured.

Collins, was described as an "always happy" girl who was "smart as a whip" and loved to sing. "She had such hopes and dreams," explained relative Polly Collins who added that said that the family had pooled their money to pay for the trip.

She graduated from Scott County High School in Kentucky and had just been awarded a scholarship from the University of Kentucky where she intended major in biology as preparation for medical school.

Lowndes County Coroner Bill Watson confirmed that police are investigating whether road rage contributed to the accident, according to reports. However, family members want a thorough investigation completed before any blame is assessed.

MaRhonda Collins and her family had planned their Florida vacation around the American Idol auditions being held in Orlano. She had tried out for the show last year, but was not picked, a family member revealed.

Traveling with Collins were her mother, Cheryl Collins, 41; Cheryl's boyfriend, Jerome Roberts, 40 and Auguste Roberts, 11, daughter of Roberts and Collins.

About The Author

Judy Chaffee, a graduate of Marymount University, is a former newspaper reporter-photographer and magazine writer. She has worked for daily and weekly newspapers, special interest magazines and has completed assignments for major wire services.

Currently Chaffee writes a blog titled "American Idol Frenzy" that focuses on the popular television show.

The author invites you to visit:
http://americanidolfrenzy.blogspot.com/