Funeral Services Announced For Francisca Lopez Rafael, 14, Killed In I-24 Wreck Late Tuesday Afternoon

  • Friday, February 9, 2018
Francisca Lopez Rafael
Francisca Lopez Rafael

Funeral services have been announced for Francisca Lopez Rafael, 14, who was killed in a multi-vehicle accident on I-24 Tuesday afternoon. She was a student at East Lake Academy of Fine Arts.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Chattanooga Memorial Park, 501 Memorial Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37405.

Chattanooga Police responded at 4:53 p.m.to a traffic crash on I-24 near MM179 Eastbound. 

Three vehicles were involved in the crash, all traveling east on I-24.

A 2004 Honda, driven by Domingo Lopez, was entering the interstate from Market St, attempting to merge into I-24.

He attempted to change lanes too closely to a 2015 Freightliner truck.

The car spun across all lanes of travel and into and under a 2003 Kenworth truck which was traveling in the lane to the left of Freightliner.

The teen, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the Honda and died from injuries at the scene.

All other passengers in the Honda were transported via Hamilton County EMS to local hospitals for treatment of minor injuries.

CPD Traffic Division will continue this crash investigation and submit its findings at a later date. No charges expected to be filed at this time.

Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525.  The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when available.

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