PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — One woman died and three others were injured after a driver went the wrong way onto Interstate 264 East early Sunday morning, state police say.
Virginia State Police said they received a call shortly after 2 a.m. from Downtown Tunnel officials regarding a Chevy Equinox that was going west in the eastbound lanes.
Shortly after the call, state police said the Equinox collided with a Toyota Tacoma west of Victory Boulevard, in Portsmouth. The passenger of the Equinox — identified as Cecilia R. Wells — was pronounced dead on the scene.
“Wherever she was, she carried joy. she carried joy. Whatever she could do for you, she was just one of those special children,” said Cecilia Parker, Wells’ grandmother. “She just touched so many lives in a short period of time.”
The driver of the Equinox was identified as 26-year-old Evonne Shanae Brinkley, who was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. On Monday, a hospital spokesperson said Brinkley was in the intensive care unit.
Brinkley was charged with driving under the influence. According to state police, additional charges are pending.
“The young lady that she was with, very good friends,” said Parker of Brinkley. “I can’t even speak ill of her. I got a chance to meet her, nice person, just unfortunate.”
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma, Tyler H. West, and his passenger, Amber J. Britt, both of Virginia Beach, were also transported to Sentara Norfolk General with injuries. They are both expected to recover.
Parker says Wells leaves behind an 8-year-old daughter and will be missed by many.
“She left a lot of love and that is definitely needed in the world right now,” said Parker. “I mean you don’t have to know people, but just love them. Regardless what race, it doesn’t matter.”
