Investigation shows woman who drove off cliff didn’t brake, may have topped 90 mph

Clallam County Sheriff deputies and troopers from Washington State Patrol have concluded their investigation of Barbara Neil’s Oct. 7 crash at Cays Road and Marine Drive.

There was no attempt by the driver to brake or make the 90-degree corner, according to the report, detailed in a press release by the county Sheriff’s office Tuesday afternoon.

Traffic accident investigators estimate the vehicle may have been going faster than 90 miles per hour when it left the roadway and plunged into Dungeness Bay.

The investigation found that Neil was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the sccident.

“There were no apparent signs of mechanical issues with the van that investigators could find that could contribute to speed, braking or turning,” the press release states.

Deputies learned from family members that Mrs. Neal was ill at the time of the incident and was “somewhat depressed” about her condition.

The sheriff’s office has closed the investigation.