Police are still investigating the cause of an early morning crash on Airport Road that took the life of 33-year-old Brittney Ann Cassell.
The accident that happened about 8:15 a.m. Wednesday closed traffic for three hours while rescue crews and workers cleaned up the roadway. Cassell was driving toward Highway 196 in her 2005 Chevy Uplander, when she crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a construction truck hauling water and driven by Wallace Pascual, 50. Pascual, who swerved trying to avoid the accident, sustained minor injuries when his truck flipped and landed on its side. It also caused a minor fuel leak on Airport Road.
It was determined Cassell was dead at the scene.
Cassell leaves behind her three sons, Brody Cassell, 5, Jacob Cassell, 7, and Connor Wilson, 13, who are currently with Cassell's brother Liberty County Deputy Shane Brazier.
"It's shocking and unbelievable," Brazier said. "The eldest realizes the impact of the situation and we are keeping him and his brothers occupied with family and friends," he said.
Cassell's mother, Cathy Ann Kelley lives in Zebulon, just outside of Griffin, where the children will be sent to stay with their family and grandparents.
Cassell was about a week away from finalizing a divorce, but Brazier says Jacob and Brody's father has supported the boys.
"He keeps to himself, but he has come out and been helpful," he said.
Hinesville Police Traffic investigator Lt. Max McLendon continues to investigate the reason Cassell veered into oncoming traffic, it is not known whether she had just dropped the kids off to school or was coming from another destination.
"They tell us they are still looking into what happened. From what I understood she may have just left the Wal-Mart, we are still waiting for answers," Brazier said.
Funeral arrangements for Cassell will take place in Griffin. There will be a viewing on Saturday from 7-9 p.m. and a service on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. at Haisten and McCullough Funeral Home in Griffin, Georgia. Anyone wishing to send flowers, cards or gifts for the children may send them to:
Haisten and McCullough Funeral Home
1155 Everee Inn Road
Griffin, Ga. 30224