A driver who "freaked out" over a bug then crossed over into oncoming traffic and killed two motorcyclists, according to police.
Videos by Wide Open Country
A Bug Caused the Deadly Accident
As reported by the New York Post, the incident took place around 4:45 p.m. on Aug. 12. A New Jersey woman, Bernadette Cobb, was driving in Luthersburg, Pennsylvania, when an insect flew into her open car window.
The 55-year-old told officers that she "freaked out" when she saw the bug. She tried to swipe it away. Cobb then ducked and "put her head down by accident," per an affidavit.
This caused Cobb to become distracted, and her vehicle began to move into oncoming traffic. When the driver noticed what had happened, she grabbed the wheel to correct course. However, the car had already crashed head-on into a 2013 Harley-Davidson. As reported by Newsradio KYW, a passenger told police he had also grabbed the wheel. However, he could not stop the crash.
The motorcycle driver, 34-year-old Anthony Sones, and his passenger, 30-year-old Miranda Wormuth, died at the scene. They were partners for 14 years.
Hidden Valley Speedway said in a
Facebook post that Sones was a competitor in the four-cylinder division."He was a great man and competitor, and he will be missed by many fellow drivers, friends and family," the message read.
Wormuth's family has established a GoFundMe to go toward cremation services. Any leftover funds will be used toward a scholarship.
What Happened to the "Freaked Out" Driver?
Cobb was arrested at the scene. She is being charged with two counts of homicide, two counts of involuntary manslaughter, and two counts of reckless driving. She posted her $100,000 bail.
Her lawyer, Brian Manchester, stated that despite her involvement in the "tragic accident," Cobb was arrested before an accident reconstruction examined the scene.
He said, "We will defend her vigorously." A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 21.
