Banther identified as fatal-crash victim
by By GREG KAYLOR Banner Staff Writer
Sep 02, 2012 | 1836 views | 0 0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend | print


Tennessee Highway Patrol identified a woman from Bradley County as one of the multiple victims reportedly involved in a head-on collision Thursday in Decatur.

Virginia F. Banther, 60, of a White Oak Road address was killed and five others injured during a crash on Highway 58 near the intersection of Highway 30.

The crash was reported to THP just after 9:30 p.m.

Trooper Travis Ryans listed Stephanie Delashmitt, 32, of Decatur as the driver of a Nissan which carried four other passengers.

Erin Nelson, 26, was the other adult in the Delashmitt vehicle. It was not noted in the report if Nelson was wearing a seat belt; however, the initial report filed by Ryans indicated neither Delashmitt nor the three children who were passengers were properly restrained. All suffered injury.

Ryans indicated Banther was belted, according to his report.

Ryans noted alleged use of drugs by Delashmitt could be a contributing factor and further testing is to be performed.

Delashmitt was traveling north on Highway 58 in the southbound lane when she reportedly collided with Banther’s 2012 Toyota.

Banther’s vehicle, during impact, was knocked backward over a guardrail, the report said. According to Ryans, Delashmitt’s headlights were not on at the time of the crash.

Banther was taken to UT Medical Center where she died of her injuries.

The extent of Delashmitt’s or her passenger’s injuries was not available.

Ryans noted criminal charges are pending as the investigation continues.