Accident in Albemarle claims 1

From staff reports
Published: November 27, 2008

A 20-year-old Albemarle County resident involved in a serious accident Monday night has died from her injuries.

Albemarle police spokesman Lt. Todd Hopwood confirmed Wednesday that Brittany E. Jarrell has died, but police still are seeking information about the head-on crash.

Authorities said Jarrell was driving a 2007 Kia sedan northbound on the U.S. 29/250 bypass when the vehicle crossed the median and hit a 2005 Toyota Highlander. Jarrell and 23-year-old Charlottesville resident Lindsey M. Spatz were thrown from the car after it hit a guardrail and overturned several times.

A hospital spokeswoman said Wednesday afternoon that Spatz is in serious condition. Neither woman was wearing a seatbelt, which police believe could have stopped both of them from being ejected from the car.

Tracey S. Wagner, who was driving the Toyota, and an 11-year-old boy also were injured in the accident.

Police still are investigating the crash, and do not know if alcohol or speed were involved in the accident. Anyone who witnessed this accident should call the Albemarle police traffic unit at 296-5807.