What you read is very true. The accident did happen. Tara, Miss Deaf Texas, was unfortunately text messaging while walking along the railroad tracks and not paying attention. The snowplow attached to the front of the train is extended approximately 16 inches on each side over the metal tracks, and that was what hit Tara, killing her. Yes, I agree she shouldn't have been text messaging, but she did.
I hope the above will teach not only the deaf people, but the public as well, a lesson not to text message while in action such as walking, driving, etc.
Yes, there are pageants for deaf women all over the country. Some states may not have pageants due to finances. For more information, please check http://www.nad.org. They will host a national conference in Palm Springs, California, this summer, and the Miss Deaf America pageant will be held at that time. The reason you never heard about us is because we never receive such publicity like Miss America or Miss USA does.
Yes, I am deaf. I just came across this forum and read all your messages. I am very sad to read those negative remarks.