Investigators find THC contributed to August collision that left 50-year-old Claire Hurt dead.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – A deadly two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Virginia Beach woman in August was caused in part by drug impairment, investigators said this week after concluding a months-long investigation.
According to the Virginia Beach Police Department, the crash occurred on August 27 at about 6:40 p.m. in the 4700 block of Indian River Road. Emergency Communications and Citizen Services received reports of a collision between two vehicles, prompting officers to respond immediately.
Police said 50-year-old Claire Hurt of Virginia Beach was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the second vehicle remained on site and cooperated fully with investigators.
A preliminary investigation determined that Hurt’s vehicle, which had been traveling southbound on Indian River Road, drifted out of its lane before being struck by a northbound vehicle.
Toxicology results link THC to deadly crash
On December 13, police traffic investigators updated the case findings, determining that drug impairment—specifically the presence of THC—was a contributing factor in the crash.
Chief Paul W. Neudigate emphasized the dangers of drug-impaired driving, even at low levels of intoxication. “Even at low concentrations of impairment it still affects cognitive and motor function,” Neudigate said. “This reinforces the medical community’s warning that drug use, especially polydrug use, poses a serious risk on the road.”
Public safety officials urge caution amid rising impairment cases
Authorities said the incident highlights an ongoing concern for law enforcement across Virginia as police report more crashes linked to both alcohol and drug impairment. The Virginia Beach Police Department continues to remind drivers that impairment of any kind—whether from alcohol, cannabis, or prescription medication—can have deadly consequences.
No charges have been filed in the case, and investigators said the findings will be included in final traffic safety reports for the year.