Michigan accident: Victim told him to slow down

This American woman, who died in a car accident, told her friend to slow down before losing control of the car.

Last November in Kent County, Michigan, 19-year-old Ella Vess went 100 miles per hour, or 160 km/h. It was Thanksgiving in America and the young woman was with her best friend, 18-year-old Neva Town.

While attempting to jump the hill, the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree, the Kent County Sheriff's Office said in a press release.

Neva Town is out of luck if Ella Wess escapes alive, albeit seriously injured. The latter was declared dead on the spot.

But now a record has been released. Later, the victim was heard telling the driver to slow down because another vehicle coming in the opposite direction might distract her, said prosecutor Christopher R. Becker said.

“These are kids who do stupid things. It ended in tragedy,” he added in an interview New York Post.

Because Ella is so close to Wess, Neva Towne's parents have asked not to press charges against the driver they consider their daughter.

However, Mr Becker said he would “have to hold her accountable one way or another”.

He was thus charged with reckless driving causing death, which is considered a felony. However, the young woman will plead guilty to a moving offense resulting in death, which is a misdemeanor.

Ella Wess is due to be sentenced next June. If convicted criminally, she could face up to a year in prison.