Woman dies in crash involving Highway Patrol cruiser

Troopers were investigating a crash on northbound U.S. 1 near New Hill Holleman Road that occurred shortly before 8 a.m. involving a truck with a cherry picker on top and a passenger car. About two hours later, southbound traffic was moving slowly, and Brianna Lee Vann, 23, swerved to avoid hitting traffic in front of her, authorities said.

"They were both in the slow lane, so when she swerved, she actually swerved into the left lane to avoid striking the vehicle that had slowed in front of her," said Sgt. Michael Baker of the Highway Patrol.

Vann's 2003 Toyota Camry went onto the median and back across both lanes of southbound traffic before slamming into a Highway Patrol SUV that was parked on the shoulder of the road, authorities said. No one was inside the SUV at the time.

Southbound lanes of U.S. 1 were closed until the early afternoon. One northbound lane was open by noon.

Two people suffered serious injuries in the crash on northbound U.S. 1, but authorities said the injuries weren't life-threatening.

"Our hearts go out to the families involved," Baker said. "I cannot imagine myself what the family is going through. Anything we can do to assist them during this grieving process, the Highway Patrol will do so."