NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Michael and Trudi Hardman had always talked about taking their six children to Disney World, and just a week before Thanksgiving, it seemed their “dream trip” was to be a reality.
But just a little more than three hours after they took to the road Wednesday night, their SUV veered off a highway and rolled over in Louisiana, killing them and three of the kids.
Police believe the couple’s 16-year-old son apparently fell asleep behind the wheel of the SUV en route from Terrell, Texas, to Orlando, Florida.
The driver, who was not identified, was charged with reckless operation of a vehicle following the 11 p.m. crash on Interstate 20 near Calhoun, Louisiana, state police spokesman Michael Reichardt said.
Michael Hardman’s brother, Timothy Hardman, said the driver and two passengers were injured, one critically.