The family of a 76-year-old Buxton woman who died in December after she was struck by a van on Long Plains Road learned Wednesday that the York County District Attorney’s office would not be bringing criminal charges in connection with her death.
It was a disappointing end to a six-month investigation for the family of Ethel Lewis, who died after she was struck by a van just after 6 a.m. while crossing Long Plains Road to get a newspaper. Lewis, who was known to many in Buxton as the “Glad Lady” because of the gladiolas she sold at the roadside, died at the hospital early that afternoon.
As the family mourned her death, they encountered more questions than answers. The Buxton police issued conflicting accounts of what happened that morning without explanation. Now that the investigation has ended, the family and the public deserve a full explanation from the Buxton police as to why there has been so much conflicting information and uncertainty surrounding this death.
In the days after the accident, Buxton police released conflicting information about the accident – initially calling it a hit-and-run and then later retracting that characterization without explanation. Buxton Police Chief Jody Thomas has never reconciled those two accounts of the accident. She has repeatedly failed to return phone calls seeking comment on this accident.
The officer on the scene that morning, Jason McClure, issued a press release that morning, calling the accident a hit-and-run. “The unknown vehicle and operator fled the scene. The last known direction of the vehicle appeared to be towards the intersection of Groveville and Haines Meadow Road. We are looking for anyone who might have seen anything or has any information regarding the vehicle or operator involved in this hit and run,” the release read.
McClure issued another release later that day saying police had located the driver of the van that struck Lewis. It indicated they were questioning her and had notified the York County District Attorney’s office. Buxton Police Chief Jody Thomas later said the accident was not a hit-and-run but did not elaborate on why.
Police eventually identified the driver they had questioned as Lori L. Marston, 43, of Long Plains Road. She was named as the driver in the accident report and in a suit filed by Bill Lewis, the husband of Ethel Lewis. However, Lawrence would not name Marston Wednesday as the driver who had struck Lewis. In explanation of the conflicting characterization of the accident, Lawrence said the vehicle authorities believe was responsible did not leave the scene.
After months of investigation, it remains to be seen how Ethel Lewis’ death could be followed by so many questions and so much conflicting information and uncertainty. Ethel Lewis didn’t die mysteriously. She was hit while crossing the road. Police responded, and the vehicle police believe hit her was apparently right there. The questions that have festered in the wake of this accident have nagged at the Lewis family.
The family of Ethel Lewis and the public deserve a better explanation of what happened that December morning than police have issued so far.
Brendan Moran, editor
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