Fatal collision: Minivan sought in connection
December 4th, 2008 | 
Author: | A multiple vehicle collision on the Ace Basin Parkway resulted in one fatality on Monday, December 1st in Colleton County.According to Colleton County Coroner Richard Harvey, Claudia Lopez, 43, of Beaufort, died as a result of head injuries she sustained as a passenger in the collision. A six-month-old child passenger, restrained in a child restraint system, sustained non-threatening injuries and was transported to the Medical University of South Carolina. |
Corporal Paul J. Brouthers, South Carolina Highway Patrol, said the accident occurred at approximately 6:05 pm on US Highway 17 just north of the Ashepoo River. Facts released in the ongoing investigation have officials in search of a red or maroon minivan as a vehicle of interest in the case.
Reportedly, a 1998 Silver Oldsmobile, driven by Fatima Grajeada-Lopez 32, Beaufort, SC was traveling south on U.S. 17. An unknown vehicle, possibly a maroon or red minivan, possibly bearing a Pennsylvania license plate was attempting to pass unlawfully while traveling north on Highway 17. No physical contact was made between the unknown van and any other vehicle.
Grajeada-Lopez lost control, overcorrected, and slid sideways into the north-bound lane of US Highway 17. Her vehicle struck a 2005 Ford that was driven by Wallace Addison of Cottageville, SC. Next, her Oldsmobile was struck by a 2002 Toyota Camry that was driven by Adeline Rentz of Summerville, SC.
If any person has information that may help to identify the red or maroon minivan, they are asked to call the SC Highway Patrol at 843-953-6005 or 843-953-6010.
Posted in Traffic Accidents