October 8, 2009

One of the most tragic days in the history of New Cote Brilliant Church of God, occurred on Tuesday, October 8, 2009. Two seniors were killed while riding in the van used by the church.  The three vehicle accident involved the church van, an SUV, and a truck driven by a driver with a revoked license, at the corner of Etzel and Skinker, in the western edge of St. Louis City. One of those killed was Anner Daniels, 77, of the 4800 block of Calvin Avenue in St. Louis. The name of the other woman killed in the accident was not released by police. Although neither of the women killed were members of New Cote Brilliant, they were passengers in the van that was transporting the church’s seniors group, called the Merrymakers. In addition to the women killed, five other passengers were injured in the accident between the van and the truck. Police said the people hurt inside the church van were the driver, a 48-year-old man; three male passengers, ages 68, 89 and 77; and three female passengers, ages 97 and two who are 82. Additionally, more people were injured in the accident involving the SUV. 

The Rev. Miki Merritt is the pastor of New Cote Brilliant Church of God. He said that the church would continue to use a van to transport its seniors.