CALLAHAN COUNTY, Texas — UPDATE (Sept. 3): Because of inclement weather, the memorial sign unveiling in memory of Aspen Blessing has been postponed until 10 a.m. Monday.
ORIGINAL STORY: An unveiling of a memorial sign along Interstate 20 in Callahan County is planned for 10 a.m. Wednesday in memory of Aspen Blessing, the Texas Department of Transportation says.
Blessing was 18-years-old when she was killed March 10, 2024, after she was struck head-on by a drunk driver on IH 20.
TxDOT’s Memorial Sign Program gives loved ones the opportunity to purchase and place a commemorative sign near the site of the crash. The memorial sign includes the victim’s name and helps to raise awareness of preventable tragedies.
Blessing’s memorial sign will be located westbound along IH 20 in Callahan County between FM 603 and Buck Creek Road. Parking will be available on the north IH 20 frontage road, just past the roadside rest area. Attendees should take exit 297, the exit for FM 603.
In 2023, there were more than 23,000 alcohol-related traffic crashes in Texas resulting in 1,069 fatalities. In the Abilene District, there were 236 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 12 fatalities. Each of these crashes were 100% preventable.
For information on the Memorial Sign Program, visit txdot.gov/safety/traffic-signs-signals/memorial-sign.html.
