Alcohol and drugs factor in fatal wreck

Toxicology findings show 26-year-old Crystall Lyell was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when she lost control of her vehicle on New Holland Road last month and veered into oncoming traffic, claiming her life and the four others riding with her.

Four adults and Lyell's 4-year-old son were killed in the fatal June 8 wreck.

The toxicology report says Lyell had a "very high level of ethanol" found in her bloodstream, registering at .251. That is more than three times the legal .08 limit.

"Also found were a possibly high level of hydrocodone (depending on tolerance)," official reports show.

Marijuana was also found in her system, toxicologists said.

"Gross impairment of motor skills and judgment would be likely at this high BAC (blood alcohol concentration), especially with the presence of hydrocodone," the lab work states.

The fatal crash occurred when the Saturn that Lyell was driving crossed the center line and struck a southbound Toyota pickup truck hauling farm equipment on a trailer.

Lyell's vehicle went into a spin and was then struck by another southbound vehicle, troopers said.

All five in the Saturn were killed, state troopers said.

Further findings show that all of the occupants in the vehicle, with the exception of 4-year-old Zach Taylor, were also under the influence of alcohol.

Michael Lott, 40, of Aiken, Joshua Lott, 17, of Aiken, and Mark Daniels, 33, of Windsor, had levels that exceeded the .08 limit; however, Joshua Lott was under the legal age to consume alcohol, troopers said.

Aiken County Coroner Tim Carlton said witnesses said they tried to stop Lyell from driving.

"But she became argumentative and combative," he said.

Zach's father Josh Taylor, a law enforcement officer in Anniston, Ala., said he wishes the people who saw Lyell leave a local swimming area would have stopped her.

"I wake up every morning and expect for him (Zach) to be there," Josh Taylor said.

Taylor said was awarded full custody of Zach a year ago, saying it had been a tough battle that he had been embroiled in with Lyell since Zach was 6 months old. He said his mother, Lillian Taylor, helped him take care of his son, adding that his death has been hard on her, as well.

"It was senseless," Lillian Taylor said.

Last month, Josh brought Zach to Aiken the Sunday before the Monday fatal crash.

"I dropped him off, and he never came home again," he said. "But I have to carry on - Zach would have wanted that."

Taylor said he has contacted Mother's Against Drunk Driving with the hopes of getting involved in outreach programs.

"I don't want anyone to ever have to go through this," he said.

A member of Lyell's family did not wish to comment.

The pickup truck struck by the Saturn was driven by Aiken resident Michael Whisnet. Both he and his front passenger, Sue Whisnet, also of Aiken, were taken to MCG where they were treated and released.

They were both wearing seat belts, officials said.

The third vehicle was driven by Christopher Head of Windsor. He was also wearing a seat belt.

He was not severely injured.

Officials said they never believed the drivers of the other vehicles were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.