Police: Speed not a factor in Amherst wreck

Lynchburg News Advance
Published: August 18, 2008

Speed did not appear to be a factor in a Saturday accident in which a motorist died and left her two children injured, Amherst police said today.

Tessa Cromwell, 36, of Chapel Hill, N.C., died at the scene on the Route 29 bypass near U.S. 60, according to Amherst police, who are investigating.

Emergency dispatchers received the call at 11:20 a.m.

First responders already were nearby at a community event for the Amherst Life Saving and First Aid Crew, including a medical helicopter, which flew one of the children to the University of Virginia Medical Center. That child suffered serious injuries. The child’s condition was not available today.

The other was treated and released at Lynchburg General Hospital, according to Amherst police Chief Ken Watts.

Cromwell died at the scene. She had been headed to Charlottesville. She and her two children wore seat belts.

The SUV rolled several times and came to a rest on the U.S. 60 off-ramp, but the reason why remains under investigation, according to police.