A 19-year-old suspected drunken driver struck and killed a woman who was taking a walk in Loudoun County, Virginia, early Friday morning, authorities say.
Deputies say the victim was on Morrisonville Road in Lovettsville when Zachary L. Frye, of Purcellville, struck her.
Friends told News4 the woman, Lauren McDarby, died right in front of Zion Lutheran Church, where she had attended for 15 years.
"She was a wonderful person. She'd do anything for you," said Teri Cooper, McDarby's friend and fellow church member.
"She just worked so hard here at church," said Daniel Cooper, the church's president.
A passerby discovered the crash about 7:30 a.m. and saw a vehicle off the road, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said.
One of the first people to arrive at the scene of the crash told News4 the suspected drunken driver was screaming, crying and hitting his head on the stone wall of the church after he saw that McDarby had died.
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Frye was arrested at the scene of the crash and charged with involuntary manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.
Deputies said Frye had minor injuries.
A preliminary investigation revealed Frye was driving eastbound on Morrisonville Rd. when he struck the victim, went off the road and crashed into a tree, the sheriff's office said.
McDarby was a longtime resident of the area and an avid walker, according to her friends and church members.
The church's pastor sadi one of McDarby's good works was making quilts for the poor.
He said the family had been looking forward to a daughter's wedding in the spring.
