Arrest in Anna Severance Fatal Accident
Posted on 11/09/2021
Date: 11/9/21
Case: Arrest in Anna Severance Fatal Accident 21-35100
Authority: Detective Lieutenant Tim Kemps
Charges were filed in Washington County Circuit Court on Tuesday in relation to a fatal car crash that occurred around 10:30 am on 10/16/21 at the intersection of Cty Tk Z and Pleasant Valley Road in the Town of Polk. A 55-year-old Town of Jackson man was arrested by Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigators and charged in Washington County Circuit Court on Tuesday afternoon with three felony charges. The suspect was charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle as well as two counts of reckless driving causing great bodily harm. If found guilty the suspect faces up to 17-years in prison.
These charges are the result of a several-week investigation conducted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team. The investigation revealed that the suspect was driving westbound on Pleasant Valley Road at a high rate of speed. Witnesses reported that he had passed two cars in a no-passing zone before the collision. Evidence showed that the suspects car was traveling around 76 mph seconds before impact with the victim’s southbound car. The suspect failed to stop at a stop sign even though there was a clear line of sight of the intersection. The stop sign, as well as warning signs, were well marked. The suspect said that he did not see the victim’s car before impact and was not aware of the stop sign being there. The investigation did not reveal a reason as to why the suspect was driving in a reckless manner. The crash left Anna Severance deceased and her two daughters, ages 7 and 4, with serious injuries. Both girls are recovering from their injuries but have a long road to recovery ahead of them.
Washington County Martin Schulteis spoke on this tragic incident. “This incident is a senseless tragedy. Two young children are without a mother and will forever live with the horrifying trauma that this crash has left them with. I am thankful to see the outpouring of support from our community and ask that you join me in offering continued prayers for their physical and emotional recovery. No one set out that day to hurt anyone, but the decision to drive recklessly can have devastating, unintended, life-altering consequences in a matter of seconds.”