Blairsville woman sentenced to jail after pleading guilty in deadly Route 217 crash
GREENSBURG, PA — A Blairsville woman who crossed into oncoming traffic, causing a fatal crash that killed another driver, has pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle and will serve time in jail, according to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office.
Ashley Kelley, 33, entered the plea Monday before Common Pleas Judge Michael Stewart, admitting responsibility for the February 2024 crash on Route 217 in Derry Township that took the life of Regina Endress, an Indiana County resident. The crash occurred when Kelley’s van veered across the center line and struck Endress’ vehicle head-on.
Kelley told responding troopers that by the time she realized she was in the wrong lane, it was too late to avoid the collision.
Initially, Kelley faced several charges including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, reckless driving, and recklessly endangering another person. However, the DUI-related charge was later withdrawn. Investigators said a drug recognition expert determined there was not enough marijuana in Kelley’s system to impair her ability to drive at the time of the crash.
As part of the plea agreement, Kelley was sentenced to serve a term of one year less a day to two years less a day in jail — a sentence that places her in a county facility rather than state prison.
The case is now closed following the court proceedings.
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Key Points
- Ashley Kelley, 33, pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle in a February crash that killed another driver
- Investigators ruled out DUI impairment, leading to dismissal of that specific charge
- Kelley received a county jail sentence of one to two years minus one day