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Pregnant trail rider dies of carbon monoxide poisoning, others sickened

08:09 PM CST on Monday, February 23, 2009

By Rucks Russell / 11 News

SUNNYSIDE, Texas -- Tragedy has struck along the trail ride leading up to this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Video
Rucks Russell's 11 News report
February 23, 2009

A pregnant teenager on the Prairie View Trail Ride died over the weekend.

Authorities say 19-year-old Glenda Pinkney was overcome by carbon monoxide fumes early Sunday in the RV where she had been sleeping. 

Pinkney was five months pregnant. 

"She was like one of my children. We are all family," fellow rider Texas Shorts told 11 News Monday afternoon.

Four other females, aged 13 to 19, were taken to area hospitals and are recovering from carbon monoxide poisoning, officials said Monday.

Witnesses described a frantic scene as friends and family members struggled to pull Pinkney to safety.

But it was too late. The teen was pronounced dead after being rushed to a hospital.

“It’s just an awful thing to have happen,” said Short. “There was nothing anyone could do. We tried to wake her back up, but she never did.”

Prairie View Trail Riders said they've never lost a member during the trail ride before.

"We're just going to pray for the family. Because this must be the worst thing ever, to have to bury a child," said Stella Qualls with the Prairie View Trail Ride.

In recent years, carbon monoxide poisoning has claimed the lives of several riders from other clubs.

“This is tradition and we won’t stop riding,” one participant insisted on Monday.

Pinkney’s family members are expected to return to the trail by Tuesday.

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