Published Monday, August 04, 2008 6:05 AM
Updated Wednesday, February 18, 2009 2:57 AM
Names of wreck victims still not being released
By CASSIE SMITH
Eagle Staff Writer
Three teenagers died in a fiery crash early Sunday after Bryan police said the driver was speeding and slammed into a tree, just seconds after an officer started to follow their car.
Assistant Chief Curtis Darby said that the bodies still had not been positively identified as of 11:30 a.m. Monday, so the department was opting not to release the names until they were 100 percent certain of who was inside the vehicle.
"We have talked to some parents based on witness statements and what we've discovered at the scene," Darby said, explaining that because the car was burned, the teens would have to be identified by DNA and dental records, which could take a couple of days.
It was a deadly weekend on Brazos Valley roads where two others were killed in unrelated accidents on the same farm-to-market road in Leon County.
In the Bryan crash, Officer Lesley Malinak, spokeswoman for the department, said the name of the officer who witnessed the wreck was not being released because of the pending investigation. She said he was responding to a call around 4 a.m. Sunday about a suspicious vehicle near Copperfield Drive.
Sgt. Benson Kilgore said that the fire department had to cut the car open to get to the teenagers.
Kilgore said he did see the top of a beer keg in the back seat of the 2006 Mazda RX8, but he was not able to examine further because of the fire.
"As far as whether or not alcohol was the cause or was in the driver's system, we won't find out until the autopsy reports come back," he said. "The possibility does exist, yes."
Sgt. Robert Johnson said the officer passed the vehicle going the opposite direction, and upon recognizing it matched the description called in, the officer turned around to get behind the Mazda. The vehicle was traveling at an excessive speed, Johnson said, adding that the officer saw the car cross Boonville Road and head into the Copperfield subdivision. He did not have his emergency lights on, according to police.
Kilgore said that by the time the officer turned around and got through the final curve on the street, he could see the Boonville Road and Copperfield Drive intersection, which the driver sped through.
"It was just moments before the accident that he was behind them and had sight of them," he said.
The teen driver lost control of the vehicle and hit the tree, immediately catching the car on fire, Johnson said. He said the officer attempted to get the teens out of the vehicle, but it exploded.
"The officer who was out there got up to the car as quickly as he could but unfortunately the flames had become too much," Johnson said.
Bryan firefighters put the blaze out, but the teens were already dead, authorities said.
"The accident happened quickly and the vehicle caught fire very quickly as well," Johnson said. "Until we get the autopsy report, there's no telling what the cause of the death was, whether it was from the fire or the impact of the vehicle hitting the tree."
Bryan Fire Department Battalion Chief David Truek said he has witnessed only four vehicles catching fire after a wreck during his 35 years as a firefighter.
"Normally, of all the collisions out there, less than 1 percent catch on fire," he said. "That's one of those things that it's not like TV where they have a wreck [and] it catches on fire and blows up."
A teen also was killed in one of the two fatal accidents in Leon County, authorities said.
After falling asleep at the wheel, 19-year-old Bradley Wayne Due of Lufkin was killed when his 2003 GMC truck hit a tree early Sunday morning, police said. Due was traveling southbound on F.M. 39, 3.6 miles north of Normangee.
On Saturday evening, two vehicles rolled over in a wreck on F.M. 39 after one tried to pass the other, authorities said.
Belinda Boren, 36, was traveling northbound behind Kenneth Alpha, 44, when she passed Alpha's 1999 GMC truck, police said.
The front right of her 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee struck the back left end of Alpha's vehicle, causing both drivers to lose control and travel into the eastbound shoulder of F.M. 39, authorities said.
Both vehicles rolled, and Alpha's vehicle came to rest upright on the eastbound shoulder, police said. His injuries were minor and he refused treatment, according to police reports.
Boren's vehicle continued to roll several times and came to a rest on the westbound shoulder, according to police, who said she died at the scene.
* Cassie Smith's e-mail address is cassie.smith@theeagle.com.
Comments
51 comment(s) found!
Posted by:
skyler&gabby On:
Friday, August 15, 2008 2:27 PM
Comment Title: omg
i feel really bad that, that happened to them........ but there in a better place...
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Posted by:
Benavides Wymia On:
Sunday, August 10, 2008 9:37 PM
Comment Title:
I lost two young family members , at this time my family needs prayer, this is a very hard for the parents of these three young people, like jesus said throw the first stone if you are with out sin!!
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 10, 2008 12:13 AM
Comment Title: Outraged.
Three young lives were lost a week ago to a tragic accident. It is an outrage to read these comments from people of our community downing the families of these victims. Before any of us should point fingers, I think we should put ourselves in the families shoes. A mother has lost two of her only sons. It is my bet that the people who are writing negative things about the individuals have never had children and have no idea how to raise children. It would be a down right lie to say that we know where our children are 24/7. I personally knew two of the children who were in the car accident and they were truly good people. They had good hearts and cared a lot for their family and friends. They will be missed. Yes, they made a mistake. But we all know one mistake can ruin your life and this is a prime example. Please keep the families in your prayers.
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Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, August 06, 2008 11:23 AM
Comment Title: May God bless you and keep you
May God bless the families. You are in my heart and my prayers. I will miss Alex and her smile. Peace to Alex, Dillon and Gus.
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Posted by:
R On:
Wednesday, August 06, 2008 9:07 AM
Comment Title: Response to the "Poster" on 8/5/08
You don't need to DISCUSS anything. EVERYONE is just plain RUDE and it is NOT called for. Like I said before, EVERYONE just needs to PRAY for the families.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 05, 2008 7:16 PM
Comment Title: To "R" - Quit Talking If You Don't Know
Enlighten us if there is more. We can only discuss what we know.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 05, 2008 4:19 PM
Comment Title: Ridiculous
"Its ok to send 18 year olds off to war" Enlisted soldiers can buy and consume alcohol on base. Maybe if you're 18 and want to get ripped you should sign up?
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Posted by:
R On:
Tuesday, August 05, 2008 3:50 PM
Comment Title: Quit Talking If You Don't Know.
There is More To The Story Than KBTX & The Eagle want you to know - or it might be all that they know. Just know, there is MORE - Do not talk SMACK if you don't know the WHOLE ENTIRE STORY - like who is REALLY to BLAME. R.I.P. Alex, Dillon, & Gus, May the families have comfort & peace during this time.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 05, 2008 11:38 AM
Comment Title:
To the comments below: I speak for myself when I say this, but I personally do wish the best for the families involved. My thoughts and prayers are with them. However, I believe the "negative" comments on this board seem to reflect the community's desire for a change when accidents like this happen. Incidents like this are so commonplace these days that it's just not a matter of "if" but "when" something like this happens again. Its a tragedy and I wish more people would think about the actions they take and the consequences that go along with them.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 05, 2008 10:53 AM
Comment Title: Disappointed in the community...
I have never been more disappointed and embarrassed by the people in this community. Three children are no longer with us and some of you think it's the "perfect" time and place to get on your soap boxes. I don't know the victims or their families but I do know that they should not be subjected to the negative comments that are being placed on this board. Please have sympathy for these families and their friends. This is a very sensitive issue and it's poor taste to post negative comments. Please pray for these families.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 05, 2008 1:25 AM
Comment Title:
"if you do not know the full story of the wreck do not post anything"--------> Sorry to bust your bubble, but this incident seems pretty open and shut. There isnt much grey area to debate when the teens should not have been a)provided the alcohol b)drinking and driving and c) out on the town that late. They chose to do these things in a reckless manner and have now paid the ultimate price.
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 05, 2008 12:58 AM
Comment Title:
Day 16 Bryan
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Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 05, 2008 12:55 AM
Comment Title:
NBA
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Posted by:
JMR On:
Tuesday, August 05, 2008 12:14 AM
Comment Title: Peace Please
I am disgusted as I read some of these comments. Fingers need not be pointed, and blame need not be spread. Three teenagers are gone, two families are grieving, countless friends of the families are hurting, and one officer did his job and is forever left with an image he will never forget. Prayer is the answer for all. Please show a little empathy and let all who are gone and hurting rest in peace. My prayers are with you...
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 11:44 PM
Comment Title: Pray for the families
My heart goes out to the families! You people that are so quick to judge need to pick your bible up and pray. You are trying to be the judge. Teenagers will continue to experience alcohol, stay out late and etc... We have all did it and had fun at the time. Unfortunately this was a terrible accident. One of them was 18 years old. Its ok to send 18 year olds off to war but they can't be at home and be teenagers. Teenagers will always find a way to buy alcohol. Again, you need to not be the judge. This was an accident. God Bless the families in the days to come with thier grief.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 11:38 PM
Comment Title:
it does not matter who, when, where, or why. These kids are gone and there are parents that are having to live without hugging and holding their kids again. It is more appropriate that you lift prayers for them then trash talk on a blog. God Bless them all.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 10:45 PM
Comment Title:
Stop blaming the police for checking on the car or the parents for letting the children out that late. None of us know the details. Kids will be kids. They are hard to raise no matter how good you think you are as a parent. I think I speak for all parents of teens when I quote the old saying, "there but for the grace of God go I". May god bless and comfort the family's of these kids.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 10:42 PM
Comment Title: ....
wow, u guys are judging them when they died.. dont be so heartless. You Should feel sorry for the families..not post crap comments saying they shouldn't have been out so late..sad.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 10:21 PM
Comment Title:
Hello. I am a younger cousin of the two boys who died in the tragic crash. Why someone would put something as stupid like saying that they were idiotic individuals is really outragious. they werent bad kids - there teenagers. Teenages are going to make mistakes. and it makes me sick to see someone write something as heartless as that. So how about we stop pointing fingers and say a nice prayer cause all of that crap that some people have been saying just makes us hurt even more. If you dont know the full story about the wreck do not post anything about it being the parents faults or the cops fault. thanks for keeping us in your prayers.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 7:41 PM
Comment Title: anonymous
someone needs to check into the person who "provided" the alcohol for this surprise party
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 7:39 PM
Comment Title:
Could the illiterate members of our community please not post comments on here? It's really embarrassing.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 7:02 PM
Comment Title:
There better be an investigation as to who provided these minors with alcohol. What a stupid, worthless way to die. Most teenagers think they are invinceable and that theory got the best of these 3.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 6:52 PM
Comment Title:
Why would a kid be about so late.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 6:31 PM
Comment Title: business
im a cousin of the victims if u dont know wat happened dont say anything all that we ask of u is to keep us in ur prayers thank you!!
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Posted by:
Bryan On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 6:05 PM
Comment Title: Police are not the problem.
If you come to the E.side of Bryan at Night and look strange you will have the police called on you. It may be normal in the slum areas to have strange cars all hours of the night running around doing crime and drugs. Not the case for the E.Side. We police the E.side. The slums ares of Bryan have all the crime for a reason. If you do not like the police stay out of the E.side. The police are not to Blame. I have nothing to hide and have also been stopped on the E.side at night. Some of the comments about Police checking strange cars are ridiculuos.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 5:54 PM
Comment Title:
As usual, "nothing good happens after midnight"--especially this far after midnight! Those KIDS shoulda been home fast asleep instead of fast on the road. Tisk Tisk!
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 5:09 PM
Comment Title: We should all have respect for the family
Instead of focusing on the police, what happen, or didn't happen, we need to take a step back, be quite and realize these families are hurting. To see the comments you all have left is a shame! Let the families mourn in peace without stupid comments.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 5:00 PM
Comment Title: Give me a break
Darwinism? That is the cruelest most outrageous thing I have seen yet. I taught both boys, and let me tell you something, they were kind, sweet young men. A family lost TWO sons and another family lost a beautiful young girl. Darwinism? They did not get weeded out of the population because they were a bad or an inferior part of our "species." They were in an accident. How could you be so cruel?
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 4:55 PM
Comment Title: Darwinism
This is Darwin at work. We can all just count our blessings that no one innocent was killed by these idiotic individuals.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 3:00 PM
Comment Title:
It always amazes me that people can be so cruel. I had strict parents and I managed to "sneak" out and do things my parents were not aware of. No one knows the full story so people should not be passing judgement. Sometimes kids make bad choices. That does not make them bad kids. No matter how well you raise your child, he/she will make some poor choices in their lives. Just pray that they are not life ending. My prayers go out to the family in their time of loss. Your children were precious and will always be rememebred as such.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 2:13 PM
Comment Title: I just dont understand
why is it when there is a comment section added to a story, people just go off on other commenters and the person who did what the story said they did...
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Posted by:
Commenter On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 2:07 PM
Comment Title: Prayer
Thanks Chrystal, This is just what the commenters need to here............ God Bless The Families.
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Posted by:
Lobo On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 1:31 PM
Comment Title: Normangee Res.
I pray for the families, this is an awful tragedy. To lose a child in such a horrific manner, much less two, would shake you to the core. There will be time to debate the errors made on behalf of these young people in the years to come, right now just let the families grieve their loss.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 1:09 PM
Comment Title: Observer
You can believe that the source of the alcohol provided to these youngsters will be determined. Whoever provided it bears some responsibility. I hopes this makes others think twice before providing alcohol to minors.
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Posted by:
hb On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 1:07 PM
Comment Title:
My prayers go out to the families of these children. Enough is enough. Let these families grieve in peace.
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Posted by:
Crystal On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 1:06 PM
Comment Title: Very sad, but definitely not the police's fault...
I am really shocked that someone would want this officer to feel even worse than he/she probably does already. Even though the cop wasn't at fault, he/she will never be able to get that image out of their head. The officer was just doing his/her job by recognizing a 'suspicious' vehicle. I, for one, am glad to know that they do take our phone calls seriously when we feel at risk or unsafe for any reason. No one knows what those three teenagers were up to and probably never will. It's sad that they lost their lives, and I do feel for the families, but no good will come of trying to blame someone (doing their job) for someone else's tragic mistake. *Instead of pointing the finger, why don't you just say a prayer for the families and the officer?
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Posted by:
tk On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 1:00 PM
Comment Title: ridiculous comment
E. Side of Bryan... I don't get your point! What a ridiculous comment to post! My prayers are with the families left behind.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 12:58 PM
Comment Title:
I love the comment with title "remember the victims".....every word was absolutley perfect.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 12:49 PM
Comment Title:
Things are different in the E.side of Bryan. It is not a slum are ghetto. We call the Police we do not run from them.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 12:25 PM
Comment Title: Remember the victims
Folks we don't know what story these kids gave their parents. We don't know if they lied and said they were staying with friends. I know the boys' family, and it breaks my heart for people to place blame when they don't know the full story. It was a preventable tragedy! That is true. Let's focus on learning from it and supporting those left behind to suffer with the loss of their children, family, and friends. A void has been left in the hearts of many. My prayers are with the families and the officer who tried to save them.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 12:08 PM
Comment Title:
the person that blames the police,thats ridiculous.Are you serious?......Umm it was a "suspicious" vechicle at 4 in the AM.Just glad that no one else got killed,cause 3 is already 3 too many..............my prayers go out to this family in their time of sorrow. P.S.......and no I dont think the comments should be killed from this story......they were not killed from the one a couple of weeks ago when that guy got killed while breaking in someones house.......and they were far worse than any of these.......I know they didnt loose their lives for the same reason...but the outcome was the same.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 11:26 AM
Comment Title:
Please kill commenting on this story, nothing good will come from any comments..
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 11:23 AM
Comment Title:
RIP... Alex DICKEY, Dillon & Gus Benavides
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Posted by:
T K On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 11:21 AM
Comment Title: Not Police Fault
To Brian S. It is tragic yes...but if the kids were up to no good at 4AM? and apparently had been drinking they wouldn't have increased their speed to get away from police officer. They should have been home by that hour and at least slowed down to give the police officer a chance to see if he was going to stop them; then they would still be alive; it is a tragedy and I am very sorry for the loss of the families left behind. The police officer was doing his job...patrolling our streets to make us safe!
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 11:14 AM
Comment Title: My Thoughts
These children should not have even been on the streets at this hour. Where or better WHO are the parents (this should be checked)... Also, where did the alcohol come from and I would be very interested in knowing who bought it for them. If they had a "keg" in the car.... can kegs be traced back to the point of purchase??? Just asking, Iam not a keg buyer so Iam just curious about that.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 10:22 AM
Comment Title:
Nice Troll, Brian S.
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Posted by:
John On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 10:15 AM
Comment Title: Police's Fault?!
Perhaps some should realize and actually read the article. ALCOHOL was apparently involved. Underage drinking and driving killed these teenagers, not the police. They were driving at a high rate of speed before the officer pursued them, had the accident before the officer even caught up to them. Yeah, it's all the police's fault. This is the typical attitude from people that seem to believe that some are trying to keep them down, and it's always someone else's fault without taking results of their own actions into account.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 10:11 AM
Comment Title: Fault!
Definitely not the Police Officer's fault for three kids slamming into a tree at 4:00am. What are 18 year olds and younger doing out at 4:00am? If the driver and passengers had nothing to hide they would not have been speeding away. This is very tragic, but by no means the fault of the police.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 9:36 AM
Comment Title:
Hello!!! The police were doing their job in responding to a call and in doing so will follow a vehicle. Are you seriously saying it's the polices' fault? The officer(s) were doing their job. Clearly whomever was in the car made a serious mistake while driving. Accidents happen and yes it's terrible they lost their lives, but every action has consequences. I praise the officer(s) for doing all they could given the situation. I see no fault whatsoever with the police in this.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 9:33 AM
Comment Title: PARENT/CITIZEN OF B-CS
STARTING ALREADY WITH TRYING TO BLAME "SOMEONE". OBVIOUSLY YOU READ THE PAPER AND YOU SEE ALL THIS ILLEGAL ACTIVITY GOING ON DAY AND NIGHT. BRYAN PD IS JUST DOING THEIR JOB, MAYBE YOU OUGHT TO GET ONE! MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILIES OF THESE KIDS.
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Posted by:
Brian S. On:
Monday, August 04, 2008 9:20 AM
Comment Title: not fair
So just a phonecall about a car being suspicous is enough to get you chased down!! Im outraged!! I live in deep bryan and if i called everytime i see a suspicous car, then the police would never rest! These kids are dead and im very angry!!
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