BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — A 64-year-old woman from Inez died in a tragic accident when her car rolled down her driveway, dragging her and trapping her beneath it, Martin County Sheriff John Kirk said.

Rebecca Griffith was already deceased when the first deputy sheriff arrived, Kirk stated. She was officially pronounced dead at the scene by Martin County Coroner Chris Todd.

The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. Sunday near Pizza Stop on Route 40.

Sheriff Kirk explained that Griffith had just returned home and was unloading bags likely purchased from a pallet store when the accident happened.

“She pulled up into her driveway [on the hill across the road from Pizza Stop] and set out some bags she had bought,” Kirk said. “We believe she turned off the engine but forgot to put the vehicle in park. She probably had her foot on the brake while setting the items outside the car door.”

As Griffith attempted to step out of the vehicle, it began to roll backward.

“She tried to hold the vehicle or get back into the vehicle and was unable to do so,” Kirk said, adding that her flip-flops were found about 15 feet from where the car began its descent.

The vehicle rolled approximately 100 feet, crossing Route 40 before hitting a cinderblock wall beside Pizza Stop. The impact caused the passenger side of the car to mount the wall and flip over onto the driver’s side, pinning Griffith between the door and the rocker panel.

Reflecting on the incident, Sheriff Kirk said, “She was a good lady. I had talked with her many times.”