RANSON, W.Va. — An accident at the light on Rt 9 near Potomac Marketplace has reportedly claimed a life.
It happened just before noon Sunday at the intersection. of Route 9 and Oak Lee Drive in Ranson.
Ranson Police Chief Robbie Roberts tells The Panhandle News Network 51-year-old Eugene Weatherholt of Harpers Ferry was traveling westbound on Route 9 in a F-350 Ford truck. He says witnesses on the scene told officers the truck “proceeded through the intersection without attempting to stop or slow down for the red traffic signal” before striking two vehicles.
A 17-year old girl was driving one of those vehicles and was trapped inside. A doctor who happened to be in traffic at the time started CPR until the girl could be transported to Jefferson Medical Center. Chief Roberts says she succumbed to her injuries.
The Chief did not identify the young victim, but a post Monday morning on the Washington High School Web page expresses sorrow at the loss of Alana Williams, a senior at the school.
Principal Judy Marcus describes Williams as “an outstanding student with many friends” who was excitedly preparing to graduate next month.
Chief Roberts says in addition to the two vehicles struck by Weatherholt’s truck, debris from that collision hit a third vehicle being driven by a Shepherdstown woman. Information about the extent of any other injuries was not available.
The Chief says his department was assisted by both the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the West Virginia State Police. The incident is still under investigation with possible charges pending.
Principal Marcus said Williams was dearly loved by so many in the community. “On behalf of all the WHS Staff, we would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to Alana’s family and classmates.
She said additional counselors would be on hand today to help students or staff.
“Please support one another and know that it’s ok to ask for help if you are hurting. We each deal with grief and loss differently,” Marcus says.