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Police: Alcohol a factor in triple fatal Powhatan crash

Posted at 5:45 PM, May 06, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-06 17:45:55-04

POWHATAN, Va. (WTVR)—Alcohol was a factor in Saturday’s fiery, fatal crash that left three dead.

Sgt. Thomas Molnar, with Virginia State Police, said that the crash investigation continues.

All three passengers died on scene, and have now been identified.  Their names are Thelma L. Middleton, 70; Joan V. Middleton, 62; and Shirley M. Smothers, 73.

The crash occurred off Route 60, just west of Batterson Road near Powhatan High School. Troopers arrived on scene around 8:30 p.m., after the driver of a Lexus ran off the road and hit a tree.

State Police identified the driver as Jerry B. Middleton, 53, and say Middleton suffered serious injuries and was flown by med-flight to VCU Medical Center.

Police say that he is currently in good condition.

Charges are pending against the driver as State Police along with the Virginia State Police Accident Reconstruction Team are still investigating.