PENDER COUNTY — Nearly two weeks ago, a vehicle that was operating erratically crashed into a Pender County ambulance headed for Wilmington; the driver was recently pronounced dead.
READ MORE: 1 killed, 3 injured in 5-car accident near Burgaw
A patient being transported inside the ambulance was announced dead on the scene, despite live-saving measures. The driver of the vehicle that collided with ambulance, Cassandra Nicole Soga, died from her injuries Aug. 12.
The 34-year-old was charged with driving while impaired, reckless driving and driving left of center.
“When an individual with pending charges passes away the cases are dismissed and the reason for dismissal is ‘abated by death,'” Sam Dooies, assistant to District Attorney Ben David explained to Port City Daily. “We can’t prosecute a deceased person, so the criminal prosecution does not go forward.”
State Highway Patrol Sgt. Jason Casteen said a blood sample was taken from Soga and was being sent to the crime lab for analysis. At the time, he anticipated additional charges to be brought forth.
The head-on collision caused by Soga’s Ford Edge left two Pender EMS paramedics with serious injuries. Holly Bauer, driving the ambulance at the time, and EMT Catherine Wortman were taken to Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center to be treated.
A Go Fund Me page set up by Bauer’s mom has already raised more than $15,000. The goal is to help cover Bauer’s cover expenses while she is out of work for an “undetermined amount of time.”
The daughter of Lynette Smalley, who died while being transported to NHRMC, has also set up a Go Fund Me to cover funeral expenses.
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