Cops: Woman Was Drunk, Distracted In Crash That Killed Her Elderly Mom
LYON TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - Authorities say distracted driving and alcohol played a role in the death of an elderly woman in a crash involving a FedEx truck.
According the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, a 50-year old South Lyon woman was talking on her cell phone while driving along Milford Road at 11 Mile Road, at about 4:20 p.m. Monday, with her mother in the passenger's seat.
She stopped at a stop sign, officials say, but then continued driving into the intersection where her car was broadsided by the FedEx semi on the passenger's side.
Betty Whitfield, 89, of Lyon Township, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The daughter was being treated at Botsford Hospital for injuries she sustained in the crash. With charges against her pending, her name has not yet been released.
Sheriff's officials said alcohol does appear to have been a factor as an investigation continues.
The FedEx driver, a 58-year-old Redford Township resident, was not injured.
