By CBS 17 Digital Desk | October 29, 2020 at 10:54 AM EDT – Updated October 29 at 10:54 AM
Mindy Espinoza, 43, of Durham, was charged Wednesday with misdemeanor death by vehicle and an unsafe movement violation, the sheriff’s office said.
Following the crash, deputies said Espinoza immediately tried to help Richardson. Espinoza stayed at the scene and cooperated with deputies as they investigated the incident.
“Ms. Richardson’s death captures our attention for many reasons, one of which is certainly her age. To be independently driving and grocery shopping at 98 years of age is remarkable. Of course, any loss of life in a preventable situation is tragic. I hope everyone will take this opportunity to reflect upon the importance of remaining alert while driving. Maintaining concentration and fighting against distraction are the most difficult parts of operating a vehicle. Those tasks deserve our active commitment any time we get behind the wheel,” Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood said in a statement.
Espinoza is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 10.
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