by Archana Subramaniam by CNB![]()
Roanoke Times Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc. DATE: FRIDAY, March 19, 1993 TAG: 9303190279 SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY SOURCE: KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Short
ALCOHOL A FACTOR IN DEADLY AUTO CRASH, POLICE SAY
State police, who are continuing their investigation of a traffic accident March 11 that killed a Blacksburg man, say alcohol was a contributing factor.Daniel Stetler, 21, of Progress Street was driving south on Virginia 685 when he was struck head-on by a car driven by Phillip W. Linkous, 33, of Blacksburg.
Stetler was taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital by Life Guard-10 and was pronounced dead at about 11:30 p.m.
Trooper Joe Diamond said Linkous' car crossed the double line and went onto the wrong side of the road, striking Stetler's car.
Linkous' car then spun and was struck by a third car driven by Cleve G. Smithers, 21, of Austinville.
Linkous was taken to Radford Community Hospital for multiple injuries, including broken hips and internal injuries, Diamond said. Linkous was in good condition Thursday, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Diamond said alcohol was found in Linkous' car and that hospital records show he was under the influence.
Smithers and Stetler were wearing seat belts, the trooper said. Diamond was not sure if Linkous was wearing a seat belt.
Smithers was treated and released at Montgomery Regional Hospital.
The wreck happened shortly after 9 p.m. about a mile north of Virginia 114, just above the water treatment plant.