A Blairsville woman was arrested Tuesday in connection with a 2024 fatal crash in Derry Township.
State police charged Ashley L. Kelley, 33, with homicide by vehicle, reckless endangerment, driving under the influence and related offenses.
She tested positive for marijuana after the crash, according to troopers.
State police said Kelley was driving a Dodge Caravan south on Route 217 with two children on board on Feb. 19, 2024, around 12:30 p.m. Regina Endress, 49, of Josephine, Indiana County, was headed north in a Chevrolet Cruze with one child in her car.
The minivan crossed over the center line near Barkley Road and slammed into the car head-on in the northbound lane, according to court papers. Kelley told investigators at the scene that once she realized she was in the oncoming lane, it was too late to avoid the car.
“I don’t know if my eyes bugged out or if I zoned out,” she told police according to a criminal complaint.
Kelley is free on $15,000 unsecured bond. A June 25 preliminary hearing is scheduled.
Attorney Mike Ferguson said the crash was a tragic accident.
“Our hearts go out to the Endress family. My client is absolutely devastated by this,” he said. “She has never been in any kind of trouble in her life and has a family of her own. We are looking forward to a resolution that can allow everyone to continue the healing process.”
Endress died at the scene. A 10-year-old child in her car was flown by medical helicopter to a hospital for treatment. It’s unclear if Kelley or the two children in the minivan were hurt.
Endress previously ran a hair salon in Blairsville before becoming a paraprofessional in the River Valley School District, according to her obituary. She worked with elementary school cheerleaders as an assistant coach.
She was survived by her mother, three children, a brother, a partner and his four children, in addition to other relatives.
