Norristown resident Emily Morris' Facebook page has been inundated this afternoon with condolences and kind words on the news that the 31-year-old woman has died as a result of the injuries she .
Morris was listed in critical condition at Reading Hospital after a Turnpike construction sign crashed through her windshield in East Cocalico Township.
She was reportedly driving west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in East Cocalico at about 12:40 p.m. on Saturday, April 14, when a traffic control construction sign that had been struck by a box truck heading east crashed through her windshield and hit her in the head. Morris' Volkswagen reportedly struck another car and a concrete barrier before coming to rest in a ditch on the westbound shoulder.
Morris was the editor of the Souderton Independent and the Perkasie News Herald newspapers.
The drivers of the box truck and the other vehicle weren't seriously hurt, but Morris was transported by medevac to Reading Hospital where she reportedly succumbed to her injuries today.
Facebook posts on Emily Morris' page speak to the profound affect she had on the lives of her friends on family:
"I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Emily Morris, my fellow Dickinsonian, whose incisive wit was unmatched. I don't have her gift, so I still find myself without the right words, but I feel that my life was enriched for knowing her, even at a distance. She will be missed"
"When people from all chapters of an individual's life can attest to the same amazing character, charming wit and genuine nature, you know she was nothing short of phenomenal. You took a good one, God! Love you Emily je m'appelle!"
"Today we lost one of the truly great ones. Thank you, Emily, for enriching my life and making me laugh (constantly). Saying that you'll be missed, barely scrapes the surface of how profound a loss this is to everyone who knew you. I count myself beyond lucky to have been able to call you a friend. Goodbye, Em."
"Emily Morris, your effect on the lives of everyone you knew remains profound. There cannot be a day I will not remember your wit, your style, and your greatly generous spirit. I will keep you in my heart forever."
Norristown Patch will post Morris' obituary and information about her viewing as it becomes available.
As a person who commutes daily on the PA turnpike, I will tell you the exceptional means I and other drivers take to avoid proximity to trucks. Accidents are by accidental means. There is a difference between this and a lack of training and regard for the road that truck drivers take. There is no respect for the vehicle they drive or their limitations to control it. Truck drivers cause countless accidents that they are never even aware of, leaving them to believe they have never been in an accident. Truck drivers can start by putting down their cell phones and planning their trip prior to taking the wheel. Next they can abide by the road regulations and the current weather conditions. In other words, pay attention. The yokels who caused this tragedy will cause yet another because they are unaware of how to drive their vehicle and feel that texting while driving enhances their ability to drive. Sorry Emily, we hardly knew you.