Police: Woman Was High and Doing Her Makeup During Fatal Crash

CLEVELAND, OH — A tragic crash that claimed a man’s life has taken a disturbing turn after police revealed that the driver responsible was allegedly under the influence of drugs and distracted by applying makeup at the time of the accident.

According to the Cleveland Police Department, the fatal collision occurred on the evening of May 31 on the city’s east side. Officers say 29-year-old Samantha Keller was driving a silver SUV when she veered into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle head-on. The victim, a 41-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Initial reports indicated distracted driving might have played a role, but further investigation uncovered a more alarming scenario. Witnesses at the scene reportedly told officers they saw Keller applying makeup in the rearview mirror moments before the crash. Toxicology results later confirmed that she had marijuana and other controlled substances in her system at the time.

Charges Filed

On June 5, authorities formally charged Keller with:

• Aggravated vehicular homicide

• Driving under the influence

• Reckless operation of a vehicle

• Possession of a controlled substance

She is currently being held in the Cuyahoga County Jail without bond and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing next week.

Family Seeking Justice

The victim’s family, devastated by the loss, is calling for justice and raising awareness about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. “This wasn’t just an accident — it was negligence,” said the victim’s sister in a statement to local media. “He was on his way home from work. He didn’t deserve this.”

A Broader Problem

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving — which includes behaviors like texting, eating, or applying makeup — claimed over 3,500 lives in the U.S. in 2023. Combined with impaired driving, the risk of a fatal outcome increases significantly.

Law enforcement officials are using this case to highlight the deadly consequences of impaired and inattentive driving. “This tragedy could have been avoided,” said Cleveland Police Chief William Brown. “Driving requires full attention, and anything less can lead to irreversible outcomes.”