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SANDY — Sandy police are continuing to investigate the cause of a fatal head-on crash in August, including whether the elderly woman who allegedly caused the collision may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
On Aug. 22, about 7 p.m., police say a Volkswagen Tiguan traveling on 9400 South drifted across several lanes of traffic for an unknown reason near 1700 East and hit a Nissan Versa head-on. The driver of the Nissan, Ashley Lynn Robinson, 28, died as a result of her injuries. Robinson is survived by her husband and three children, including a newborn daughter.
The driver of the Volkswagen, a 74-year-old woman, was taken to a local hospital to be treated for her injuries, including a broken leg. Originally, police had reported they believed the woman was in her 60s.
At least five witnesses told police "that it appeared (the woman's) head was down and she appeared to be asleep behind the wheel," according to a search warrant affidavit.
Sandy Police Sgt. Clay Swensen confirmed Tuesday that is one possibility being investigated as a potential cause of the crash. Based on toxicology tests, detectives do not believe the 74-year-old woman was under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at the time, he said.
"We will continue to look at every factor to best determine the cause of this crash: fatigue, mechanical, medical etc.," Swensen said of the ongoing investigation.
It was not known Tuesday when the investigation will be completed.
