On Sunday, Sept. 24, a 19-year-old Southern Methodist University student was killed in a car crash by a suspected drunken driver at around 4:20 p.m. near the exit of Monticello Avenue and State Highway 75.
The suspect, 27-year-old Lynlee Pollis, was traveling northbound 4800 N. Central Expressway service road and ran the red signal light, crashing into Wallace and a female passenger who were traveling eastbound on Monticello Avenue with a green signal light at the northbound N. Central Expressway service road.
Wallace, a female passenger and Pollis were taken to a local hospital. The female passenger is in stable condition but still recovering from injuries.
Pollis only suffered minor injuries and has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault.
According to an arrest-warrant affidavit, a Dallas police officer responded to an area hospital, where Pollis was taken, she had “glassy eyes, slurred speech and an odor of alcoholic beverage” emanating from her.
The affidavit stated that Pollis admitted to the police that she ran a red light at the intersection in her Lexus RX before crashing into a white Volkswagen Jetta on her way home.
Up until April, Pollis worked as an operations analyst at Vandelay Hospitality Group in Dallas.
Tuesday, SMU released a statement sharing their condolences for the loss of a student.
“Dear SMU Faculty & Staff:
With deep sadness, I am writing to share news of the death of SMU student Honor Elizabeth Wallace, who passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Honor, 19, had just begun her sophomore year at SMU this Fall. She was from Grosse Pointe, MI, pursuing degrees in Spanish and English.
Staff members in Students Affairs are making every effort to identify those who were close to Honor to offer care and support. We ask for your compassion and understanding during this time as there may be students or others who need assistance and flexibility in your classes as they learn of and process this news.
Strength and support are found in community, and the SMU community stands ready to support you. Please keep Honor’s family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time.” –Southern Methodist University.
