Seven Springs toddler killed in vehicle accident

SHINE - A three-vehicle accident on N.C. 13. claimed the life of 1-year-old Gissela Geuvrra of Seven Springs on Friday.

According to Trooper Billy Beaman, Deborah Pate, 50, of Pikesville was driving a Ford Windstar on N.C. 13 when she crossed the center line.

Pate's vehicle collided with a Hyundai driven by Angelina Hernadez, 49, of Stantonsburg. Beaman said after striking the Hyundai, the Windstar hit a white Toyota Camry driven by Mariella Rodriquez, 21, of Seven Springs.

Geuvrra was riding in a safety car restraint seat in the back right-seat of the Toyota when the accident occurred. According to Beaman, the toddler was not properly placed in the safety seat.  He declined to say whether or not Geuvrra would have survived the accident had the appropriate safety measures been implemented.

"The accident's crush factor on the right side of the vehicle was so bad," Beaman said.

Pate has not been issued any citations for the accident. Beaman said Sunday that he plans to contact state officials to discuss the accident in further detail.

"No charges have been filed yet," he said.

Pate and Herandez were taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital, where they are listed in good condition. Beaman said Rodriquez was also injured in the accident, and remained unconscious Saturday afternoon.

Chris Lavender can be reached at (252) 559-1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.