An accident caused by a wrong-way driver on December 8th took a turn for the worse after a second crash was caused by the backup. The crash, in the southbound lanes of US19 at Alternate 19, resulted only in minor injuries.

24-year-old Brittany Anello was arrested for causing the first accident with a blood alcohol level of 0.17, more than twice the legal limit. After the accident, a motorcyclist lost control in the northbound lanes and fell from his bike. Those at the crash in the opposite lanes felt the urge to help.

Denise Gajus, 66, was killed when she tried to cross the northbound lanes of US19. She was struck by an SUV in the middle lane. Denise is the wife of Ward Gajus, a tow truck driver that was responding to the first crash.

Last Friday, area tow companies offered a salute to Denise Gajus with a parade through the New Port Richey area. Parts of Congress Avenue, Main Street, and Massachusetts Avenue in New Port Richey were cordoned off for the parade of dozens of tow trucks.