LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. – On May 13, at 11:41 p.m. Ephrata Police investigated a fatal vehicle crash on East Queen Street just east of King Street in West Cocalico Township. Bethany C. Gee, 19, of Ephrata, lost control of the station wagon she was driving causing the vehicle to strike a wall and roll. A passenger in the vehicle, Stephanie M. Gerola, 20, of Ephrata died as a result of the collision. Three back seat passengers and the driver were treated at local hospitals for serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The accident investigation revealed that Gee was speeding on West Queen Street and failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of West Queen Street and King Street. She attempted to maneuver through the intersection and lost control of the vehicle. The Ephrata Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team determined that the speed of Gee’s vehicle when she lost control was 60-68 miles per hours. The posted speed limit on the roadway is 35 mph.
Toxicology results indicated that Gee was under the influence of marijuana and methamphetamine.
Ephrata Police charged Gee today with Homicide by Vehicle, Homicide by Vehicle while Driving Under Influence, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Driving Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Reckless Driving, Driving a Vehicle at a Safe Speed and Duties at Stop Signs. Gee is presumed innocent.
Following arraignment this morning Gee was released with substantial bail restrictions / conditions.
