Home Two Staunton women dead following crash on Route 11 in Augusta County
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Two Staunton women dead following crash on Route 11 in Augusta County

Crystal Graham
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Two pedestrians are dead after an accident on Route 11 on Saturday night in Augusta County.

Opal C. Nelson, 83, and Carolyn M. Childress, 72, both of Staunton, died at the scene. Neither were wearing reflective clothing.

According to Virginia State Police, the double fatal crash occurred at 9:21 p.m. on Lee Highway, a half mile north of Weyers Cave Road.

A Dodge Caravan, driven by Danielle N. Bennington, 39, of Mount Crawford, was heading north on U.S. 11 when it was unable to avoid striking the two pedestrians who were crossing the highway.

A passenger in the van, Joshua P. Compton, 37, and Bennington, both suffered minor injuries.

Following the crash, VSP arrested Kristopher E. Nelson, 41, of Staunton, after he refused to leave the scene. Nelson has been charged with disorderly conduct, misdemeanor obstruction and two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer.

The crash remains under investigation.

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is a reporter and ad manager for Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]