Man killed in Apex collision

Apex, N.C. — A 73-year-old driver died in Apex Sunday afternoon when another driver lost control and hit his car head-on.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol charged Carla Romero, 20, of Angier, with involuntary manslaughter and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

Investigators said Romero was driving at about 80 mph in a 45 mph speed zone when she hit a car driven by Donald Carl Reynard on Holly Springs Road at Winding Oak Way.

Reynard, of Bonne Terre, Mo., died at the scene, troopers said.

His wife Anna Reynard, daughter-in-law, Kenia Reynard, and 16-year-old granddaughter, Irma Andrade, were also in the car. They were taken to WakeMed.

Anna Reynard, 72, was in fair condition Monday afternoon; Reynard, 35, was in good condition; and Andrade, 16, was in critical condition.

Romero and two passengers from her Cadillac SUV, one of them a child, were also hospitalized, troopers said. Their conditions were not available Monday.

Romero was being held under a $1 million bond at the Wake County jail Monday afternoon.

During her first court appearance Monday afternoon, her attorney told a District Court judge that Romero’s SUV had a mechanical failure.

Authorities said the Reynards were in North Carolina for their grandson’s baptism.

Immigration authorities said they believe Romero is in the country illegally.

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Latest Comments

Anyone know her lawyer's name?

makeitright
October 20, 2010 3:25 p.m.

lizetzacatecas-I don't think her status as a citizen plays a role in this as much as people are making it out to be- on that I agree with you. I can honestly say that NO I have NEVER gone 80mph down Holly Springs Rd. EVER. It's not an accident when you are driving that fast. It's true that many people do drive above the limit, but 80 in a 45 is just unacceptable. She's 20 years old and that means inexperienced on the road (as seen by her negligent behavior.) She absolutely deserves to be blamed as it was HER foot on the gas going at such an exorbitant speed! Yes people have said others speed through there- but not to the point where they are driving their car into the other lane of traffic and killing a man. Her actions here are totally inexcusable and she absolutely needs to be help responsible for her mistake! Ok - here in NC and in the US 16 is a child. 16 years old is still a minor and still protected as such. Either way she's still at fault and needs to be held accountable.

katydid00900
October 20, 2010 2:13 p.m.

Yes it was an accident. One that may not have had a fatality if she wasn't doing 80mph. Also, someone needs to explain to you that your automobile insurance DOES NOT pay for her tickets or charges to the law enforcement. This comes out of her pocket. The only thing insurance pays for is medical expenses and to repair the cars. Usually there is a deductible up front, and if your have below standard insurance it will only pay up to a certain amount for each person. The remainder comes out of Carla's pocket. You all may want to read your insurance declaration policy to see what that amount is. Or call your insurance agent to EXPLAIN it all to you. UMM, she's in jail because she killed someone. That has nothing to do with automobile insurance. Also in the state of North Carolina, the 16 year old is not an adult. The 16 year old is a MINOR. Accidents happen everyday, but somewhere along the line you need to understand that there are consequences to your own actions! LAWSUIT!

littlestinker68
October 18, 2010 10:54 a.m.

That was a accident. Did she had car insurance? if yes, what is the insurance for if she is charged with all this charges. I thought this is why we have mandatory car insurance. So if something like this happens people are covered. and i think everybody has speed-ed before only they got lucky. this women obviously is very sorry about what happen. she was not drunk. So I think she should not be in jail the Insurance company should handle the case. why we all have to pay insurance if we still get locked up. If it was a drunk driver yes Jail and no driving privilege should be mandatory. but this case no

barbara28
October 15, 2010 7:46 p.m.

YES,people GROW up!i dont know how people have the heart to judge someone just because of there race.what happened was an accident and couldve happen to anyone!her immagratiom status has nothing to with the accident.yes she was going over the speed limit,but please dont try to say YOU have never done it before.&yea shes 20 years old,and what?that doesnt mean she a is an out of control person!she is a very respnsible women and does not deserv to be blamed for something that was an accident.so STOP pointing fingers and stop all the racism.witnesses have said that almost everyone that goes threw that road is speeding!and of course i feel bad for the other family that lost a loved one,i as well would be upset if something similar happened to me.i know romero and i know she would NEVER do anything that would hert anyone.and just to clear things,there was NOT a child in the vehicle both girls that were with romero are ages 16 and 18.prayers to both families!

lizetzacatecas
October 15, 2010 7:10 p.m.