Photo of car courtesy of Anthony Chevel/Antelope Valley Times

Smithville woman killed in California crash

By angie meadows

A Smithville family visiting in California have suffered a horrific loss. Tori Ann Haywood, 42, was killed in a multi-vehicle accident that left another driver dead and five others injured on July 2 in Palmdale, California.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a 2014 Hyundai, driven by a 20-year-old Palmdale man, was traveling eastbound on Palmdale Boulevard when, for unknown reasons, it swerved into the westbound lane where it collided head-on with a 2020 Toyota driven by Haywood. She and the drive of the Hyundai were both pronounced dead at the scene.

A 2021 Hyundai that was traveling westbound on Palmdale Boulevard behind the Toyota was also involved in the mishap, the police said. Tia Perkins, 21, of McMinnville was the driver and suffered no injuries.

Haywood’s children were passengers in the Toyota and all sustained injuries from the crash.  Tyjhai Ladet, sustained major injuries, Sierra Ladet, Tyzjon Ladet, and Tre Lamar Ladet all suffered moderate injuries. They were all taken to Antelope Valley Hospital for treatment.

Local fundraisers are underway to raise money for the family. Currently there is a t-shirt sale being held. Shirts are being sold to raise money. Kid sizes and onesies are $15, adult size S-XL are $20 and plus sizes are $25. To order please call 615-684-2552. Also, Ludwig’s Kettle Corn is taking orders for a variety of flavors of kettle corn. It is $8 per bag. Call 615-580-1489. A GoFundMe account is also available for monetary donations https://gf.me/u/yd23t2

There are more fundraisers in the planning stages to help the family.