Sad news about Leah and her husband Bill

I received some sad news today about a sweet lady I have worked with over the years in the GA Senate. Leah was always so bubbly on the phone, and funny and light-hearted. I am so sorry to hear she and her husband are gone; their family members are in my thoughts. Please keep them in yours.

Legislative assistant among victims of I-20 wreck
By Billy Hobbs | Augusta Chronicle

WARRENTON, Ga. – Authorities have identified three people killed in a head-on collision on Interstate 20 in Warren County on Saturday night.

Warren County Coroner Paul Lowe identified the victims as Robert M. Rowell, 68, of the 3900 block of Loblolly Trail, Martinez, and Alan William Dick, 63, and his wife, Leah-Tatum Dick, 57, who had homes in Martinez and Atlanta. Mrs. Dick was an administrative assistant for two state senators, Mr. Lowe said. Over the years she had also worked for a number of other legislators, including former state Sen. Joey Brush and former state Reps. Ben Harbin and Robin Williams.

Mr. and Mrs. Dick apparently died instantly. Both were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred about 6 p.m. Mr. Rowell was flown by helicopter from the scene to the Medical College of Georgia Hospital in Augusta, where he died at 7:39 p.m., Mr. Lowe said.

Mr. Rowell, a deliveryman for Elder Care of Augusta, was identified Sunday afternoon. But the names of Mr. and Mrs. Dick were withheld until Sunday night by authorities because they had been unable to contact next of kin.

Mr. Dick was driving a Toyota Avalon westbound on Interstate 20 when he veered across the median and into the path of Mr. Rowell, who was driving a Dodge Dakota pickup truck, according to Georgia State Patrol Trooper Willie Ramsey.


From the Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009 online edition of The Augusta Chronicle