Police: Reckless Driving Played Role in Fatal Accident That Killed Passenger

Charges have been filed against the driver after a Wednesday auto accident that killed his passenger.

Gwinnett Police said in a news release Thursday morning that Richard Retana, 24, of Snellville, was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, among other offenses, after a single car accident on Highpoint Road around 12:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Terri Wood, 23, of Snellville, died at the scene. Police say she was the passenger in the 2001 F-150 Retana was driving when he lost control while heading southbound on Highpoint between Fireplace Trail ad Chimney Ridge.

“The driver accelerated at a high rate of speed from Fireplace Trail, crossed into oncoming traffic before losing control and rolling the vehicle into a utility box and a tree before coming to rest,” Police spokesman Cpl. Ed Ritter said in the news release.

Retana, who sustained minor injuries in the wreck, also was charged with reckless driving, laying drag, failure to maintain lane, speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt.

Police are continuing the investigation.