Sophia, WV (WOAY)-The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of a fatal car crash that left one person dead and another seriously injured on easter Sunday.
According to a media release, authorities responded to reports of a car crash on WV Route 121 on the Coalfields Expressway in Sophia after midnight on Sunday, April 20.
Lieutenant James Williams arrived on the scene of the collision between a Toyota Tacoma and a Chevy Tahoe.
According to investigators, the Toyota Tacoma was traveling south on WV 121 when it struck the guardrail, crossing both southbound lanes and the grassy median strip.
The vehicle then entered the northbound lanes while traveling southbound, striking the Chevy Tahoe head-on.
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma, 18-year-old Destany H. Lester of Fairdale, was severely injured but responsive.
Lester was removed from the vehicle and transported to Charleston Area Medical Center for further treatment.
Medics considered her to be in critical condition at the time of transport.
The driver of the Chevy Tahoe, identified as 24-year-old Baylee N. Bower of Bloomingrose, WV, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe that the speed and impairment of the Toyota driver were contributing factors to the collision.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and criminal charges are expected to be filed upon its completion.
