
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 27, 1995                   TAG: 9507270060
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LISA K. GARCIA STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

STUDENT DIES AFTER ACCIDENT

A 16-year-old Salem High School student died Wednesday morning after a car accident Tuesday in which she drove into an intersection and into the path of another vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle that hit hers, Michael B. Agee of Salem, was charged with drunken driving. But the Roanoke County police officer who investigated the accident said even a sober driver could not have avoided the accident.

Officer D.L. Flynn said Kasey D. Sovine was turning left onto West Main Street from Daugherty Road a little past 6:30 p.m. when her car was broadsided on the driver's side. The accident occurred near the county's Fort Lewis fire station.

Flynn said Agee's intoxication did not cause or contribute to the accident. Flynn based his conclusion on eyewitness accounts and other evidence at the accident scene.

It was raining at the time, and Agee, who was westbound on West Main Street, did not have time to stop when Sovine pulled out in front of his car, Flynn said.

Flynn said Agee, 50, and his passenger were not injured. Sovine was airlifted to Roanoke Memorial Hospital about 6:45 p.m. She died about 4 a.m. Wednesday after undergoing surgery the night before, Flynn said.

All three people in the accident were wearing seat belts.

Salem High School Principal John Hall said Sovine was enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program - an extremely difficult set of courses that can mean up to a year and a half of college credit by graduation.

``Her loss means a great deal,'' Hall said. ``She was a popular young lady, well-liked and respected.''

The Rev. David Fraser, the pastor of Faith Alliance Church, which Sovine attended, said she helped with the children's church ministries and participated in the youth group. She also went on a mission trip two years ago to Puerto Rico where drama was used to present the Gospel.

``She was vivacious, warm and friendly,'' Fraser said.

Hall said a scholarship fund has been created in Sovine's memory by her father's co-workers. Donations can be sent to Salem High School.

Hall said guidance counselors will be at the school library from 7:30 to 9:30 tonight to help anyone who wishes to talk about the accident. The school division psychologist also will be present.

Keywords:
FATALITY

by CNB