Couple killed on way to grandson's school concert in Friendswood

FRIENDSWOOD, Texas – A Clear Lake couple on their way to their grandson's school concert was killed after being struck by a vehicle in Friendswood Wednesday evening.

Michelle Owen said her parents, Larry and Lina Owen, were very much in love.

Thursday would have been their 46th wedding anniversary, but tragically they never got the chance to celebrate.

Larry Owen and Lina Owen were both killed around 7 p.m. Wednesday as they were crossing in the 3500 block of FM 528 in Friendswood.

Michelle Owen got the call while she was working near Bush Airport.

"Literally in the break room. Just fell to the floor. He told me my mother was already dead," she said.

Officers said the couple parked their truck across the street from Brookside Intermediate School and tried to cross the street to see their grandson play in his band concert.

Witnesses said they were standing in the road when a man driving westbound in a Honda Accord hit them.

Lina Owen, 66, died at the scene. Larry Owen, 64, was rushed to Clear Lake Hospital but died a short time later.

"I had just spoken to my mom on the phone earlier in the day. You know, told her I loved her. You know, just regular old chitchat," Michelle said. "And then she is gone and I was just thankful I had told her I loved her earlier in the day."

The driver remained at the scene and was cooperative with police.  No charges have been filed at this time.

Police said FM 528 has become the city’s most dangerous roadway for pedestrians.  On March 29, 2011, a woman was struck while walking in the roadway in the 1700 block of FM 528. In 2013, a woman was killed when she was struck by a vehicle, also in the 1700 block of FM 528.

In 2015, there were two fatal auto-pedestrian accidents on W. Parkwood (FM 528) between the 2400 and 2600 blocks.  One victim was struck crossing the roadway and the other while walking near the shoulder of the roadway. All of these fatal accidents occurred at night and darkness was a factor.

The times and days pedestrians are most at risk of injury differ from those when they are most at risk of death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most pedestrian injuries occur during times of the day when overall vehicle traffic increases as drivers commute home from work.  Pedestrian fatalities usually happen at night.

Clear Creek ISD released a statement that read, "On behalf of the staff at Brookside Intermediate and the Clear Creek Independent School District, we offer our deepest condolences to the family involved in last night’s accident. Our focus is on helping the student and the students at Brookside Intermediate through this difficult time. We have had additional counselors at the school all day today and will provide additional support as needed."