Victim of fatal crash identified

3/24/2006

Authorities have identified a woman who died when her car hit a tree and flipped over Wednesday on Collingwood Boulevard near Highland Avenue.

Saraya Whitaker, 38, of 3303 North Erie St., was pronounced dead at the scene. She died from injuries suffered in the accident, said Dr. Cynthia Beisser, Lucas County deputy coroner. A final ruling is pending routine toxicology tests.

Ms. Whitaker was driving north in the 3200 block of Collingwood about 8:30 p.m. when she swerved to avoid traffic barrels in the street, lost control, and crossed all four lanes, police said. Her car hit the southbound curb and a tree, flipped over, and slid down the street, stopping near the intersection of Highland.

She wasn't wearing a seat belt and was driving faster than the posted speed limit, police said.