A 22-year-old woman is dead after being involved in car accident in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was attending college in the town at the time of the crash. Police have not yet filed charges related to the accident, but told local reporters that alcohol and excessive speeds appear to have contributed to the accident.
According to police accounts referenced by the Winston-Salem Journal, the fatal accident occurred as the 27-year-old driver operating the vehicle in which the victim was riding lost control of the car. This caused the sedan to slam into a utility pole, killing the victim.
The 21-year-old roommate of the driver and victim, who was also riding in the car at the time, was hospitalized following the crash. However, her injuries were determined to be non-life threatening.
Friends and acquaintances of the deceased college student spoke fondly of her, calling her a good student and loyal friend. She played college basketball for three years after establishing a reputation for herself through the sport in her hometown. Her former basketball coach described her as strong-willed and credited the gentle giant with leading her team toward victory in sectionals during her junior year of high school. A bank in the woman's hometown has established an athletic scholarship in her honor.
The victim's coach said she was considering enrolling in the Peace Corps or the military when he last spoke to her.
It is important for the girl's family to know how their daughter died and who was responsible. While compensation can never replace their loved one, it can help offset the costs of a funeral and provide a source of income so they can take time to grieve their loss.
Source: News and Tribune, "Former New Washington student killed in crash," Tara Schmelz, March 28, 2012