WALLACE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A 74-year-old woman died following a side-by-side crash in a remote area off Jones Run Road on Monday afternoon, after her sister hiked for help in an effort to save her.
At around 4:16 p.m., a 911 call was received reporting a crash in the 7900 block of Jones Run Road in Wallace.
Authorities later determined the incident had occurred about two hours earlier on an ATV trail roughly one mile from the roadway, in a location not accessible by public roads.
Deputy Kaleigh Wetzel, who investigated the incident, identified the driver as 77-year-old Joyce Hardesty of Wallace. The passenger was her sister, 74-year-old Anita White, also of Wallace.
The two women had gone out riding when Hardesty lost control of the side-by-side vehicle, causing it to roll.
White became trapped in the vehicle while Hardesty left the scene to get help.
Hardesty told authorities that White was still breathing when she began her trek to find assistance.
It took her approximately two hours to reach a phone and contact emergency services.
When emergency responders arrived at the crash site, White was cold to the touch and pronounced dead at the scene.
Based on statements and evidence, authorities believe the crash was accidental.
