GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – Police in Gloucester have announced the arrest of Elizabeth V. McDonel, Age 47, of Blackwood for causing the death of Melinda S. Hart, 66, of Philadelphia during a crash where McDonel was found to be intoxicated.
Mrs. Hart died of her injuries sustained during that crash on March 15th.
According to a police report, on Thursday, February 24, at approximately 2:04 pm Gloucester Township Police responded to a report of a head on collision on Rt. 168, Black Horse Pike, in the area of Landing Road where occupants of both vehicles were suffering from significant to serious bodily injuries.
“The Gloucester Township Police Department Serious Crash Investigation Team (SCIT) conducted an investigation into the cause of the crash and determined the driver of a gray Chevrolet Traverse, Elizabeth McDonel, was traveling northbound in the southbound lane, causing vehicles traveling southbound to swerve out of the way to avoid a collision,” the department said. “After almost striking several vehicles, Mrs. McDonel continued traveling in the wrong direction where she struck a white Nissan Murano head on causing significant, disabling damage to both vehicles. All five (5) occupants of the Nissan Murano were transported to Cooper Medical Center for serious injuries. Mr. McDonel was also transported to Cooper Medical Center for serious injuries sustained in the crash. The investigation revealed Ms. McDonel was intoxicated at the time of the crash therefore she was criminally charged with five (5) counts of 3rd degree Assault by Auto, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and issued several motor vehicle summonses.”
On Tuesday, March 15, Hart, who had been in critical, unstable condition since the collision had succumbed to her injuries and passed away.
“Her death was the direct result of injuries sustained when Ms. McDonel struck her vehicle head on while intoxicated. After consultation with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office of New Jersey, Ms. McDonel was additionally charged with 2nd Degree Death by Automobile and the case is currently pending court,” the Gloucester Police Department said Monday.