Cheryl Witter Obituary, Death – A Savannah woman has died from injuries sustained in a train collision in Rincon last week, officials confirmed. The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that 45-year-old Cheryl Witter succumbed to her injuries after being critically hurt in the crash.
The accident occurred on the morning of February 17, shortly after 8 a.m., when Witter was driving near McCall Road, close to Blandford Elementary School. According to authorities, she failed to yield to a slow-moving train, leading to a devastating collision.
Witter was one of three people inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. While she suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment, the two other passengers in the vehicle sustained only minor injuries. Officials have not released their identities or provided further details on their conditions.
Following the accident, emergency responders and law enforcement arrived at the scene to assist the victims and investigate the circumstances of the crash. The road remained closed for over an hour as crews worked to clear the wreckage and assess the damage.
Authorities have not yet stated whether speed, distractions, or other factors played a role in the collision. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, as officials review evidence to determine why the vehicle failed to stop in time.
Railroad crossings require careful attention from drivers to ensure safety. Many collisions at train crossings occur due to driver inattention, misjudgment of train speed, or failure to obey crossing signals. It is unclear whether the crossing in this incident had active warning signals or if visibility was a factor.
The tragic loss of Witter has deeply affected her family, friends, and the Savannah community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of exercising caution at railroad crossings and always yielding to oncoming trains, regardless of their speed.
Officials have urged drivers to remain alert at crossings and follow safety guidelines to prevent similar accidents in the future. As the investigation continues, authorities may release additional information regarding the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.