RANSON, W.Va. — A multi-vehicle wreck at Jefferson County intersection Sunday morning claimed the life of a Charles Town teenager.
Authorities said the wreck happened at just before noon Sunday at the intersection of Route 9 and Oak Lee Drive near the Potomac Marketplace in Ranson.
Ranson Police Chief Robbie Roberts told The Panhandle News Network Eugene Weatherholt, 51, of Harpers Ferry, was traveling westbound on Route 9 in a pick-up truck. Roberts said witnesses told officers the truck “proceeded through the intersection without attempting to stop or slow down for the red traffic signal” before striking two vehicles.
In a subsequent interview with the Panhandle News Network about ten days after the crash, Chief Roberts said investigators are still looking into the crash and that no charges have been filed against Weatherholt or anyone else. The reconstruction of the events of the crash includes looking into cell phone records, according to the chief.
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 said the teenager later died.
Roberts 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.
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 Monday 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 said.
Roberts said 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.
Again, Roberts said the investigation is still ongoing with no charges filed in the incident.