Police Found A Woman’s Body In This Car Wreck, And Her Facebook Held The Key To Her Death

When learning to drive, one of the first things we must be conscious of at all times are the potential dangers that might present themselves on the road. Sadly, in April 2014, Ann Sanford succumbed to one of those dangers, which led to her death when her car crashed in High Point, North Carolina.

During the investigation, police found the key to explain her death in the most unexpected place: Facebook. Ann Sanford was born on December 15, 1981, in the city of Charlotte, North Carolina. She was a true academic prodigy. After graduating from West Forsyth High School, she attended Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Following that, she earned several degrees from Independence University and Keizer University.

After achieving several academic degrees, she began working at High Point’s Bethany Medical Center as a certified medical assistant. Despite remaining single, the 32-year-old was not lonely. She was part of a very big and loving family, including her parents, two brothers, two nephews, and a significant number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Sadly, April 2014 would be a very tragic month for all of them. On the morning of April 24th, while Ann was driving down Business 85 Interstate in High Point, her car suddenly swerved over the median line and collided head-on against a recycling truck, resulting in both vehicles coming off the highway, with the truck striking a tree. The driver of the truck, a 73-year-old man, miraculously came out of the accident unharmed. However, the same could not be said for Ann Sanford, who died at the scene. Her car burst into flames as it went off the interstate, and there was nothing that could be done to save her.

Even when emergency services arrived, police investigations concluded that the accident wasn’t caused by overspeeding, drinking, or drug use on Sanford’s part. The research into her information did turn up some vital information for solving the case. Friends and family reported that Ann had written a Facebook post very close to the time of the accident.

She was already on the interstate when the message was sent, so authorities decided to take a closer look. The Facebook post was published at 8:33 a.m., and the car crash was reported at 8:34 a.m. said Lieutenant Chris Weisner of the High Point Police Department. Ann’s last status update was, “The happy song makes me happy.”

Police also discovered that she had posted several selfies online while she was driving down Business 85 Interstate. In a matter of seconds, a life was over just so she could notify some friends she was happy. Within seconds after that, her life was over. “It’s surely not worth it,” continued to say Weisner. After the shocking discovery, the song that made her update her status, causing the accident that cost her life, was the Oscar-nominated number one hit “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

We’ve all seen the public service ads, whether it’s on YouTube or wherever,” Weisner told Fox 8, “you know these graphic advertisements showing what happens when you text and drive. This yesterday was real-life.”

Weisner suggested that although it was a terrible accident, it could serve as a grim reminder for everyone who usually texts and drives. We never think that these things can happen to us, but in an instant, everything can change. All it takes is to get your sight off the road for a few seconds to become a victim of yourself. “As sad as it is, it’s a grim reminder for everyone,” the police officer said. “You have to pay attention while you’re in the car.”

Moreover, these circumstances behind the tragic accident also opened the eyes of Lieutenant Weisner, who said, “I have three boys at home who drive,” he told Fox 8, “you know they text and drive, and you know we’ve all been guilty of it. It brings home the realization that it’s not worth it.”

Ann Sanford’s tragic story was picked up by lots of news outlets across the world, and online reactions were sometimes even harsh on Ann’s memory. People all over the world started criticizing her decision to text while driving, especially for doing so on an interstate highway.

“My number one priority while driving is keeping focused on the road. If the phone rings, I let it ring. Nothing’s more important than my passengers’ lives or anyone who’s on the road with me. If you have to put your phone in the trunk, it’s not worth it,” one commenter said.

“It’s downright bizarre the things people are afraid of that have little or no risk of death associated with them, but then consider driving a vehicle to be a mundane activity when it is, in fact, the most dangerous activity that the average person engages in. When driving, your eyes should always be on the road, and your full attention on what you’re doing. Turn the phone off if you just can’t avoid answering it or using it when a song comes on that you like,” another commented.

Ann’s tale served as a warning for many people who constantly use their mobile phones while driving. Luckily, the story will continue to spread, hopefully saving as many lives as possible.