MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Authorities in Montgomery County have released an update following a devastating double-fatal crash that occurred yesterday involving Richard Neal, 39, and claiming the lives of Masey Ward and Rogelio Diaz Gomez, shedding further light on the circumstances that led to the tragedy and the criminal charges now facing the suspected driver.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Richard Neal, 39, is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail. He has been formally charged with two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death and two counts of criminal recklessness in connection with the deadly crash that occurred along State Road 231.
Investigators say Neal was traveling along U.S. 231 when he reportedly passed several stopped vehicles before striking a vehicle traveling southbound. The force of the impact caused a chain-reaction collision involving multiple vehicles. The severity of the wreckage prompted authorities to completely shut down the roadway between 500 South and 700 South for several hours as emergency responders worked to assist victims and reconstruct the scene.
The crash claimed the lives of Masey Ward, a young woman whose life was cut tragically short, and a 38-year-old man identified as Rogelio Diaz Gomez. Their deaths have shaken the community, leaving families, friends, and neighbors grieving an unimaginable loss.
Emergency crews, sheriff’s deputies, and investigators responded swiftly to the scene, but despite their efforts, both victims were pronounced deceased due to the severity of their injuries. The crash remains under active investigation as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the fatal collision.
Community members have gathered in support of the victims’ families, offering prayers, condolences, and remembrance. Local leaders have also renewed calls for safer driving practices and the serious consequences of impaired and reckless driving.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department has stated that additional information may be released as the investigation continues and court proceedings move forward.
This tragic incident stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of impaired and reckless driving, and the irreversible impact such actions can have on innocent lives.
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