Roanoke County police say a Salem woman died early Sunday morning when the SUV she was riding in ran off Plantation Road and struck several trees. Police say Helen Marie Kennedy, 42, was thrown from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital after the accident, which happened about 2:00 a.m. The extent of the driver’s injuries are not known, and police are not releasing that person’s name. Police say alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.
NEWS RELEASE FROM ROANOKE COUNTY POLICE
On Sunday, May 31, 2015 at approximately 1:58 A.M., Roanoke County officers responded to the 6600 block of Plantation Road in reference to a traffic crash. The crash involved a single vehicle, a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway and struck several trees before coming to rest approximately 20 feet off the roadway. The driver of the vehicle was injured. The passenger, Helen Marie Kennedy of Salem Va. was ejected from the vehicle. The first Officer on scene began CPR but was unable to revive Kennedy. Kennedy was pronounced deceased on scene by rescue personnel. The driver of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital by rescue personnel. The name of the driver will not be released at this time. Alcohol may have been a factor in the crash. This crash is currently still under investigation by the Roanoke County Police Department.
