Published: November 10, 2009 07:40 am      

Sheriff: Alcohol may be factor in fatal crash

PASCAGOULA — Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd says alcohol and drugs could be factors in a two-vehicle head-on collision Saturday night that claimed the life of a Vancleave man.

Byrd tells the Sun Herald the accident occurred after the eastbound driver of a car, identified as 19-year-old Brittany Pierce of Vancleave crossed the center line and struck a car driven by 55-year-old Rhonda Griffin also of Vancleave.

Byrd said 31-year-old Daniel Bolton, an unrestrained passenger in Pierce’s vehicle, died in the crash.

Pierce, who also wasn’t wearing a seat belt, suffered various injuries and was airlifted to the University of South Alabama Medical Center for treatment. She remained hospitalized Sunday.

The sheriff said the results of toxicology reports are pending on Pierce and Bolton.