Driver Drunk, On Drugs In Fatal Crash Near School In South Jersey: Police

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A woman was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs when she caused a crash that killed her passenger and injured another driver in Gloucester County, authorities said.

The crash happened in front of Washington Township High School in late November. Further investigation led to criminal charges getting filed last week against one of the drivers.

• Read more: Man Killed, 2 Injured After Car Rear-Ends SUV In South Jersey: Police

Police identified the defendant as Barbara A. Stell, 49, of Franklinville.

Stell was driving southbound on Hurffville-Cross Keys Road when she rear-ended another car shortly after 5 p.m. Nov. 24, police said.

Stell's front-seat passenger was later pronounced dead at the hospital, police said. Stell and the other driver were also injured.

Police have identified the deceased victim as a 46-year-old Philadelphia man. His name has not been released.

Further investigation revealed that Stell was driving recklessly while "under the influence of alcohol and various narcotics," police said.

The crash occurred in a school zone, but no students were involved in the crash.

She was charged Jan. 23 with first-degree reckless vehicular homicide, second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, third-degree assault by auto, and fourth-degree assault by auto.

Stell was also ticketed for operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, driving while uninsured, and vehicular homicide near school property, court records show.

Her listed attorney didn't immediately return comment to Patch.