Bank president killed in car crash

(This article was an exercise written for my Beat Reporting class. It is not based on actual events.)

James Westhaver, president of the Merchants National Bank, along with his wife, Martha, was killed in a two-car accident on Ninth and Elm at 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Police said the car opposite the Westhaver's was heading south on Ninth Street and went through a red light. The car hit the Westhaver's vehicle broadside, causing it to roll over three times and come to a rest against a light pole.

The car that struck the Westhaver’s vehicle was driven by James West, 42, with Samuel Blackwater, 32, in the passengers seat. Both are city employees in the Park and Recreation department. West incurred a broken leg and possible concussion, and Blackwater had two broken arms and a broken nose.

Police ticketed West for careless driving. Prosecuting Attorney James Taylor said he would investigate before determining whether involuntary manslaughter charges should be made against West.

Both prominent members of the community, Westhaver had been employed at the Merchants National Bank for 33 years, while Martha hosted a talk show on KTGG. Westhaver was also chairman of the United Way this year and treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce, according to Jack Frost, a bank official.

“James was always in good spirits when coming into work. He knew how to make people feel at ease, and cared enough to get to know the people he was working with. He will be greatly missed,” Frost said.

Funeral arrangements for the Westhaver’s are incomplete, but gifts may be sent to the Springfield Funeral Home.