Kanawha County Deputies responded to a crash on Rt. 119 south of Sand Plant Road, near the Kanawha and Lincoln County line, shortly before 9 p.m. on Tuesday night, 03-26-13.
A 1997 Western Star Tractor, hauling a load of lumber, was found to have been traveling south bound on U.S. Rt. 119. Investigators believe the tractor-trailer went out of control and struck the concrete barrier on the Steven Wayne Smith Memorial Bridge. The truck then entered the unprotected median and crossed in to the north bound lanes of Rt. 119.
The tractor-trailer overturned during the transition in to the north bound lanes and struck 2003 Volkswagen Jetta that was traveling north bound on Rt. 119.
The truck driver has been identified as David McCarter (58 of Wellston, Ohio). Mr. McCarter was transported to CAMC-General. His condition is unknown.
The driver of the Volkswagen has been identified as Betty J. Sowards (38 of Sumerco, WV). Ms. Sowards was transported to CAMC-General. Her condition is unknown.
The passenger in the Volkswagen has been identified as Brittany N. Sowards (16 of Sumerco, WV). The 16 year old passenger was pronounced dead on the scene and the body has been transported to the West Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Lt. R.P. Boone and Deputy T.A. Fouch. Deputy Fouch is a member of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, Accident Reconstruction Unit.
Capt. B.C. Robbins
Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office
Field Operations Commander
304-357-0701/ 304-545-6294
