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Driver in accident on Indian Falls Road still unable to answer questions from investigators

By Howard B. Owens

The driver of a red SUV that crossed the center line causing a serious-injury accident on Indian Falls Road on Thursday, remains in serious condition at ECMC and hasn't been available for interviews, Undersheriff Bill Sheron said. 

Sonya M. Charache, 30, of Gorton Road, suffered a head injury in the accident. It's unclear what caused her SUV to cross the center line, Sheron said.

"It's not unusual that in such accidents where there are head injuries that the victims don't remember much of the accident, or they can't recall what happened just prior to the accident," Sheron said.

It's possible prescription drugs could have been a factor, Sheron said, but toxicology reports have not been returned yet, so neither drugs nor alcohol as a contributing factor have been ruled out.

Three children in Charache's SUV and the driver of a blue pickup truck that was eastbound on Indian Falls Road were also injured.

The other driver, Donald Sage, 70, of Judge Road, Oakfield, remains hospitalized at Strong with multiple fractures and facial injuries.

The 6-year-old injured, Garrett M. Talbot, remains hospitalized. Sheron said he is making good progress toward recovery.

"None of the injuries are considered life threatening at this point," Sheron said.

The other two children, Jackson K. Gilbert, 2, and Kayda L. Charache, 1, both of Gorton Road, Alabama, are out of the hospital.

Irene Will

The other driver, Donald Sage, 70, of Judge Road, Oakfield, remains hospitalized at Strong with multiple fractures and facial injuries. Also INTERNAL injuries. Don is still not out of danger, and needs prayers from everyone. His daughter is posting updates on http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/donaldsage/en - and friends can write in the guestbook there, too. Donnie is a great guy and we need all the prayers we can get to help him heal.

Jul 12, 2011, 8:17am Permalink

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