It was revealed yesterday that US actress and R&B singer Brandy was involved in a four-car crash that left one woman dead just before the New Year. The singer is thought to have been what police call the "contributing party" to the crash. According to a California Highway Patrol report, Brandy, full name Brandy Norwood, failed to slow down, and as a result hit the vehicle in front, being driven by one Awatef Aboudihaj. That car hit into the back of another, before sliding sideways into the path of an oncoming car. It was hit by that car, killing Aboudihaj.
Police, who have confirmed none of those involved in the incident had been drinking or taken drugs, say that Norwood reckons she was traveling at about 65mph at the time of the crash. They are currently inspecting her vehicle to ascertain whether the crash was caused by mechanical fault or human error. A police spokesman said this week: "We've impounded all four vehicles, and the outcome of the mechanical inspection is coming to us today or tomorrow. Barring any mechanical difficulties on Brandy's part there's the very high probability that she is the party most at fault or the contributing party". Either way, Aboudihaj's death has been ruled an accident.
Responding to media reports about the crash, a spokesman for Brandy told reporters yesterday: "She wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased", adding that she hoped media would "respect the privacy of everyone involved at this time".