Diana J. Harman Obituary, Death – A tragic head-on collision in Frederick County on Sunday afternoon resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The Virginia State Police (VSP) is actively investigating the accident, which occurred around 1:42 p.m. near the intersection of Wardensville Pike and Bushy Ridge Drive.
The crash involved two vehicles: a 2007 GMC Sierra pickup truck and a 2019 Buick Encore Essence. According to VSP, Donald R. Mallow, Jr., a 60-year-old resident of Fredericksburg, was driving the GMC west on Wardensville Pike when he crossed over the double solid yellow centerline. This maneuver led to a direct collision with the Buick, which is a small SUV.
Mallow sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash and was taken to Winchester Medical Center. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. Reports indicated that Mallow was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.
The Buick was driven by 60-year-old Diana J. Harman from Petersburg, West Virginia. She was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Harman was wearing her seatbelt, as confirmed by VSP.
Additionally, Patricia A. Gapp, an 85-year-old passenger in the Buick, also died at the scene. Like Harman, Gapp was wearing her seatbelt during the incident.
The investigation by VSP is ongoing as authorities work to gather more information regarding the circumstances leading up to the crash. This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers associated with reckless driving and the importance of seatbelt use, particularly in head-on collisions.
As the community processes this tragic event, the impact of the loss is felt deeply by family, friends, and loved ones of the victims. The VSP urges all motorists to drive safely, adhere to traffic laws, and remain vigilant to prevent similar accidents in the future.