Virginia Street Race Ends in Tragedy

A street race in Bristol, Va, claimed the life of a Southwest Virginia woman Monday night.  Police say Melinda Woodward, 38, of Abingdon, Va, was killed instantly when her blue Ford Mustang was struck in the driver-side door by a vehicle involved in a street race on Gate City Highway.

Bristol police indicate that Woodward had just left the Bristol Mall when her car was struck by a silver Pontiac Trans Am driven by 19-year-old Joseph D. Rose of Wise County, Va.  According to police, Rose was racing alongside a red Ford Mustang when the collision occurred.  Rose and his passenger were rushed by paramedics for treatment at Bristol Regional Medical Center.  Charges are pending against Rose, according to police. 

Police are still looking for the red Mustang, which never stopped.  The car is believed to be a 2004 or 2005 model, possibly a Cobra design.  The Mustang did not hit Woodward's car, according to police.   Based on eyewitness accounts, police believe the vehicles in the street race were traveling at a high rate of speed and ran a red light when the accident took place.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Woodward family during this difficult time.

Serious and fatal accidents are often caused by reckless and irresponsible driving.  If you have been severely injured, or a loved one has been killed in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney to help protect your rights and file a claim.