Family Reunions on the Eastern Shore are a tradition for the Jones Family every Labor Day Weekend. One thing that is not common for the first responders on the Eastern shore was the dispatch they received 8:11 pm on route 13, August 31, 2014.
Arnette Chandler, 58 was driving a Nissan Altima south on route 13 according to Corinne Geller with Virginia State Police, and a van driven by Bonifilio Velazquez was heading north, when he crossed over the center line, striking the 5 family members in the car.
Diann Jones, A’Janae Jones, and Arnette Chandler died at the scene. Wysaan Kellam was airlifted and flown to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters with life threatening injuries. The other (2) passengers, both girls ages eight and nine, were taken to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
Velazquez was not hurt and being charged with a DUI and three counts of involuntary manslaughter Geller said. He is in Accomack County Jail, being held without bond.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as such a joyous occasion ends in tragedy. Vigils at local churches on the Eastern Shore have been set up in support of the family and friends. As the writer of this blog it touches my heart to report that Arnette Chandler was from Roosevelt, New York a small town in Nassau County, where I too once resided.
We have communicated & posted so many social media posts, tips on Hampton Roads Show on the dangers of drinking and driving. Our attorneys have participated in programs such as Every 15 Minutes an educational experience that reminds us all of the dangers associated with driving while impaired. More information is available on our Community Involvement Page.
In our K&N Blog posted on Wednesday, August 27th, 2014 “More Motorist Expected on the Road this Labor Day Weekend”, we shared a report from the Virginia State Police that in 2013 there were 9 traffic deaths, 120 drunk drivers arrested, citing 11,834 speeders and 2,552 reckless drivers, 883 safety belt violations and 335 tickets to adults who failed to properly secure their infant and child passengers, during the four-day Labor Day weekend from Friday through Monday, according to state police. This information was shared to help educate drivers on being safe over the holiday weekend.
The attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman developed a video to help keep you safe and assist if you are harmed by driver that the influence we would like to share. It is also posted on our YouTube Channel.
Just remember if you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, please give us a call today to schedule a consultation with a Norfolk personal injury attorney, please visit the website and fill out the convenient online form.