The Delaware community joined to mourn two women after a fiery car crash left them dead at the impact.
The crash occurred on U.S. 23 and killed two people with five other victims injured. The destructive crash occurred at roughly 8:30 p.m on Aug. 13 between a 2018 Dodge Ram and 2021 Toyota Venza, which also affected a family in a 2025 Honda Accord, according to dispatch.com.
The pickup truck, driven by a 52 year old woman, had a head-on collision with the Toyota Venza which carried four people. Both vehicles caught fire soon after the crash occurred. Chaplain Amanda Reidling and retired teacher, Carol Waldman, both perished according to ABC 6.
The damage to all vehicles was significant, according to WKBN. The crash is still under investigation, however, it is clear that the accident could have been prevented if all drivers involved were more aware while they drove.
The community around Waldman joined to mourn her death on Sept. 4 at Bluffton Community Church, which was followed by a life service the next day. Reidling’s memorial service was hosted 10 days after the incident
Teenagers and new drivers tend to underestimate the dangers of the road. Whether it be that a student drives over the speed limit, is distracted at the wheel, or fails to follow traffic laws, mistakes that student drivers make can put their safety in jeopardy and deal them fatal consequences.
“Sometimes the [school] parking lot feels like the Hunger Games,” Kailey Shoemaker ‘26 said.
It is important to be conscious and alert at the wheel. Music should not be played through earphones or headphones, and phones should be kept out of the hands.
“I like to have some music on when I drive, but if I feel like I’m not focused enough, I turn it down or off completely,” Rebecca Endeshaw ‘27 said.
As more people take steps to complete their driver’s education and obtain a license, students should pay attention to their courses in order to drive mindfully and correctly obey the rules of the road. New drivers along with experienced ones should strive to cooperate on the road to ensure the safety of all drivers and passengers.
“For me, it was more important to pay attention to my driver’s ed than get it done quickly because I’d rather not break a few laws,” Londres Tchuitio Tounonga ‘27 said.
*Story continued in the September ’25 Bulletin
