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An off-duty state police trooper was charged Monday with vehicular homicide for allegedly causing a fiery crash Feb. 11 in Tioga County that killed a woman when the vehicle he was driving illegally crossed double yellow lines on Route 6.
Attorney General Michelle Henry charged Michael J. Brown, who allegedly attempted to illegally pass a vehicle, striking an oncoming vehicle and killing the driver, Christine Woodward, a 15-year Troy Area School District teacher.
The investigation revealed that on the night of Feb. 11, Brown was traveling west in a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Route 6 in Sullivan Township. He was headed to work at his barracks in Tioga County. In an attempt to pass a westbound vehicle in front of him, the defendant's vehicle crossed double yellow lines and struck an oncoming vehicle that was ascending a hill on the roadway.
"This case involves the devastating loss of a mother and teacher, made even more tragic because it was entirely preventable," Henry said. "We must all remember to practice patience and abide by the laws of the Vehicle Code because, otherwise, we are capable of causing irreparable harm. "
The case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney Anthony Forray.
Brown, who initially suffered significant injuries and was taken by ambulance to Guthrie Medical Center, Sayre, faces charges of a felony count of homicide by vehicle and five related summary traffic violations. He turned himself in on Monday afternoon. Bail was set at $50,000.
Remembered for her "passion for education and dedication" to her students, Woodward was 47.
After the crash, district Superintendent Dr. Janilyn Elias described Woodward's death as a "tragic loss," and said not only was Woodward a dedicated teacher but an "active member of our booster clubs who was considered a mother figure to many of our students."
She taught at East Troy Middle School and WR Croman Elementary School.