South County Woman Dies In Head-On West River Crash: Police

WEST RIVER, MD — A South County woman died early Friday when her car collided head-on with an SUV, according to Anne Arundel County Police. Katherine Sofia Chicas Arias, 22, of the 1100 block of Gwynne Avenue in Churchton, was flown by Maryland State Police helicopter to the University of Maryland's R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where she died from her injuries.

The crash happened just before 8 a.m. on Muddy Creek Road near Swamp Circle Road in West River, police said. The 2019 Honda Fit driven by Arias was northbound on Muddy Creek Road when it crossed the double yellow center line and struck a southbound 2017 Toyota Highlander.

Kelley Ann Kaczka Brantner, 43, of the 5300 block of Birch Court in West River, was the driver of the Toyota SUV. Brantner and an 8-year-old passenger were taken to Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis for treatment of minor injuries.

Police say the primary cause of the crash was Arias' failure to remain right of center. Results of the crash investigation will be reviewed by the state's attorney.