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18-Year-Old Killed in Crash Sunday Morning; Police Say Drugs, Alcohol Involved

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18-Year-Old Killed in Crash Sunday Morning; Police Say Drugs, Alcohol Involved

LA PLATA - 4/7/2008

The Maryland State Police La Plata barrack reports an 18-year-old girl was killed this morning after she crashed into a telephone pole.

Rachel Ellen Johnsen, of La Plata, was alone driving a 1995 Pontiac Firebird east on La Plata Road at 8 a.m., near Cool Springs Farm Place, when she lost control and crashed into a pole and a tree.

Troopers say the factors contributing to the crash were narcotics, alcohol, speed and rain.

Johnsen was declared deceased on the scene. Her body was taken to Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore

Trooper Ford is investigating with the assistance of the Maryland State Police CRASH reconstruction team.

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Golf_N	4/6/2008 at 10:06 PM
why?
My prayers go out to the family but WHY drugs and alcohol were a contributing factor in this 18 year olds death? 8am in the morning....where and why and who supplied her with the drugs and alcohol. Go after them too!
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SOMD81	4/7/2008 at 4:10 AM
Reply to Golf_N: inappropriate
I really wish these kind of reports weren't published. The drug and alcohol involvement is speculative and has not been confirmed through toxicology as of yet. The fact of the matter is that this family has suffered a tragic loss, and these parents are now faced with burying their second child, as they also lost their youngest son to leukemia in 1998. All other factors are irrelevant right now, and it certainly doesn't change the reality of things. Everyones prayers should go out to the family-they really need them right now. There is a time and place to address those allegations, and now is not it.

USAngel	4/7/2008 at 8:04 AM
Reply to Golf_N: SOMD81 is Right!
I agree with you wholeheartedly, SOMD81! This family has been through enough! Without all the facts, that statement should never have been published! This was a beautiful young girl who had a promising life in front of her. No one deserves to lose 2 of their children, especially this family. It disgusts me that it was even implied that she was on drugs and/or drunk at 8:00 in the morning! Her parents and her surviving brother now have a new Angel watching over them and we should all pray they take comfort in that during this horrible time for them. S, L, and K - Wannie and her family love you all!

38graham97	4/7/2008 at 9:42 AM
Reply to Golf_N: It is tragic
The loss is tragic, and was avoidable. I, too, can't imagine what the parents are going through, nor would I wish that upon anyone. I hope God helps them through this. How do you know that there weren't drugs and alcohol present in the car, or that there was no odor? When the hell are kids going to wake up and realize what can happen? CALL SOMEONE!! My parents would have been upset that I was drinking while underage, but they would have been much happier having me be on the other end of the phone calling for a ride than to have it be someone calling or knocking on the door to inform them of an accident. I don't think these article/stories are published enough, because there have been quite a few deaths from alcohol related accidents.

X-Fusion	4/7/2008 at 9:49 AM
Reply to Golf_N: Allegations?
Then I'd probably contact the Maryland State Police and tell them not to release the preliminary reports. The reporting isn't an allegation, rather an issue of what was found on scene. Speed and rain was also an apparent contributing factor, so, there was obviously some visual evidence for them to determine that alcohol and drugs were a factor. However, it doesn't take away from the tragedy that occured. I just believe that before you accuse the people reporting the story, go to the source that sent the information out.

gumpsgirl	4/7/2008 at 1:44 PM
Reply to Golf_N: R U Kidding Me?
My heart goes out to the parents, but I do not feel bad that they are linking this death with those items. It's about time everybody stopped worrying about everyone's feelings and just started doing the right things. Ever heard of Freedom of the Press? They can say what they want. Get off of it. Stop trying to be babied in a society where you're supposed to be an adult at age 18.

schmoo	4/7/2008 at 6:26 PM
Reply to Golf_N: don't trust everything you read
DRUGS & ALCOHOL are pure speculation. Yeah, at 8:15am she was simply driving home...something I as a grown person do all the time. People drive home early in the morning...it's not a rare occurrence. This was a wonderful girl, who left this earth way too soon. Let's be positive and think of this young woman's parents who are now burying their 2nd child God bless you Rachel and may you find peace in heaven with your brother. My prayers are with the Johnsen family...simply wonderful people.

ANGELA1	4/7/2008 at 8:27 AM
Rachel
We must grieve for this passing, I would not know what to do if I lost a child much less 2, the way this family has, the first from leukemia the second from this accident. My heart and prayers go out to the Johnson family in this time. She was the miracle baby that gave her brother a longer life by matching his marrow. This is unfortunate and tragic for this family. And although you think there is blame, now is not the time for it.
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cnelson	4/7/2008 at 9:12 AM
Reply to ANGELA1: Rachel
Rachel was an outgoing bright and beautiful young lady. My heart is breaking for her family. My love and prayers go out to the Johnsen family.

kc20716	4/7/2008 at 10:19 AM
Rachel
My thoughts and prayers are with the Johnsen family. Rachel was a beautiful young woman. I hope her family can find solace in the fact that she's in heaven with her brother.
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BlueCat	4/7/2008 at 10:31 AM
Hopefully...
If the reports are published with the fact that alcohol and narcotics were contributing factors, then hopefully it's enough to save a different life who is currently struggling with the same vices. Personally, I prefer to read details like this. The media isn't doing our community any favors by glossing over bad news. Good job BayNet and may God rest this young and troubled soul!
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salisbury	4/7/2008 at 11:56 AM
Reply to BlueCat: What??
Bluecat, there are 2 things wrong with you comments. Nobody is sure what was involved, so putting drugs and alcohol out there so early is where the problem is. If it ends up they are factors, then it is what it is. If not, then a wonderful young woman had her reputation questioned. Also, who are you to be saying that she was a "troubled soul"? Rachel was one of the most wonderful people that I have ever known. Unless you knew her personally, then you have no right to say that. You need to watch what you say about people you do not know. Rest in peace Rachel. You will be missed. Uncle Lee, Aunt Sharon, and Kyle, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

brucmi	4/7/2008 at 1:36 PM
Another one of our children.
We have all lost another one of our children. We may have not put out the expense or the on hands raising of this child, but we all are here to show them how and what is expectable thought doing what is right by showing an example each and everyday. We must be very truthful in everything we say and do. Don't be afraid to talk to them straight forward, when it comes to drinking and drugs. I'm not pointing fingers at no one; all three of my children range from 26 to 17. Their very open with me and as I am with them. Weather it be sex, drugs and drinking. Let them know to have them call you if they have been doing anything that may impair their ability to drive. I rather have them safe at home so I am able to talk to them later to help them then about what they are doing. See If maybe the local fire and rescue companies in your area would think about having a yearly or twice a year class to go over what could happen if they decide to make certain decisions in their lives and then drive. Maybe they would be able to show pictures. We can't hold their hand 24/7 but we can try to do everything to inform them. I had the pleasure to meet this very beautiful young woman, who show she had so much to live for, both my husband and I came upon her when her car broke down on 301/234. We remained with her until her father was able to arrive. We talked and I found out she went to the same school as our daughter. They were not good friends or that but knew of each other, but during that talk with Rachel, we both had a lot more in common. I had and still have a lot of respect for her. I hope the pain will lift soon as all of the fun memories come back into her parents hearts and her remaining brother. God Bless them today, tomorrow, and everyday. Yes and to Andrew if you happen to read this, you know I'm not pointing fingers. God bless you and all. See you at the track.
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DD2000	4/7/2008 at 4:15 PM
clowns
I get so tired of every time something like this happens you get all the "You didn't know them so you have no business commenting" and the "They were so great and wonderful" garbage. If she was hopped up on drugs and alcohol then I guess she wasn't the great and wonderful person you think she was. I'm just glad she didn't kill some poor innocent person driving along minding their own business. Get over yourselves and face facts. This sugar-coated, don't-hurt-anybody-else's-feelings, bull crap society we live in now really stinks.
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cnelson	4/7/2008 at 6:08 PM
Reply to DD2000: COMPASSION
You are in need of compassion. Rachel was a wonderful, great and beautiful person. She touched many lives and put smiles on all the faces that she met. There was something about this girl that was great. There was something special about her and she is gone. Yes, she made a horrible mistake, but that does not make her a bad person. Your comments are very sad. They are heartless and uncaring. May be that is what is wrong with society today, people like you.

schmoo	4/7/2008 at 6:35 PM
Reply to DD2000: honestly
ummm...honestly, the point is that there is NO CONFIRMATION that she was "hopped up on drugs and alcohol" as you say. You and everyone else with their negative comments are totally missing the point. And if you don't know someone, than you don't have a right to comment on what type of person they are. A mother has now lost 2 children, the 1st to leukemia, and now to this accident. Let's be positive for this family.

SoMD127	4/7/2008 at 8:43 PM
Reply to DD2000: Some Nerve
I find it mind boggling that you can sit there and tell someone that they aren't a wonderful person because she made a bad choice!!! I know Rachel, I know her family and I knew her brother Chad. She was truly a good person and I think she just made a bad choice. By saying they found drugs, what drugs? what kind? If you are perfect and never did drugs in your life then wow you're just so perfect. But don't you tell anyone that Rachel was a bad person!!! Not everytime does someone die, mean that they need sugar coating.

X-Fusion	4/7/2008 at 9:01 PM
Reply to DD2000: Huh?
schmoo - those are the first negative comments anyone has made in relation to the girl. Who else had negative comments? The fact is, the Maryland State Police BELIEVE alcohol and drugs are a contributing factor. There could be a lot of reasons to think that. Paraphernalia could've been found in the car, a bottle of liquor could've been found in the car, alcohol could be heavily smelled. Does that mean she did it? No. She could've been at a party and had some friends doing it in her car when she wasn't aware of it. Normally, you won't keep drugs in your car for over a day, which is why the MSP believe narcotics were a factor. No one is trying to be negative or down on the family, I'm sure most here feel compassion .. however, when you make bad choices, bad choices catch up with you.

bigcountry	4/8/2008 at 3:22 PM
Reply to DD2000: Reply to DD2000
First let me say my condolence to the family on their lost. Second DD2000 is absolutely right facts are facts you can't be mad with these people for their statements about narcotics, and alcohol being a factor they are only stating what's in the commentary provided by The Bay Net. If you want to be angry with someone do so with Trooper Ford.

38graham97	4/7/2008 at 9:46 PM
Who saw the report?
Like I mentioned before, it is awful. I don't wish any parent to lose a child. However, I can't imagine that the police would release a statement about drugs and alcohol be a contributing factor if it weren't true. That's just asking for a lawsuit. Libel and defamation of character to name a couple.
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BlueCat	4/8/2008 at 10:04 AM
Reply to 38graham97: No matter what...
It doesn't matter what her toxicology report says - it won't bring her back. But if reporting that alcohol and drugs contributed to her fatal car crash reminds one substance abuser to call for a ride, then her life has saved someone else's. God bless her.

djfan	4/8/2008 at 8:56 PM
Reply to 38graham97: If you knew Rachel
you would know why those that do know her keep defending her family. If there was drugs and/or alcohol involved, it doesn't change the fact that her family and friends are suffering right now. Even "good kids" as they are called, get into things they shouldn't. It doesn't make them a bad person, misguided, maybe, but not bad. I knew Rachel and she was a wonderful girl! She could make you smile at the worst of times!! Don't condemn her, encourage her friends and other teens to take notice and learn from her "mistakes". That is all we can hope will come from such a tragic loss, no matter what the circumstances. We all need to remember what it is to be human and humans do make mistakes. All my love and prayers to her family.

38graham97	4/9/2008 at 7:13 AM
Reply to 38graham97: djfan
No one has said anything about her family. And, if you look back over the posts, no one would wish the loss of a child on anyone. And yes, like you said, others need to know about this because if it will make one person stop and think about what they are doing, that's a good thing.

h_lynn	4/9/2008 at 11:28 AM
Sad
First to all, you people that are downgrading her, you need to shove it! If you didn't know Rachel then don't state your opinion's she was a wonderful outgoing full of life young girl and doesn't deserve to be stepped-upon! I am very happy to say that I had the privilege of meeting and knowing Rachel! I hate that at the age of only 18 that she has been taken from all of us. She was a very respectful, smart, promising girl. Every person that met her loved her, even people passing as well. She always put a smile on everyone's face even at the worst times! She hated when people were down! To her family, I am so very sorry for your second lose of a child just know now that Chad and Rachel are together now look upon your family and friends! This is a terrible lose but as of now what we all need to do is try and put those smiles on our faces the kind that Rachel would be putting on us when she was still here! I love you Rachel may you Rest In Peace! LOVED ALWAYS & NEVER FORGOTTEN!
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X-Fusion	4/9/2008 at 11:40 AM
Reply to h_lynn: You make NO sense ...
"First to all, you people that are downgrading her, you need to shove it! If you didn't know Rachel then don't state your opinion's" First, nobody here was downgrading her. Nobody even knows the facts yet. I've stated before the reasons WHY the MSP believe that stuff was involved. Second, may I guide you to a dictionary so you can find the definition of opinion. Here, I'll help ya out. Opinion: a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

SoMD127	4/9/2008 at 12:36 PM
Reply to h_lynn: Speechless
I HATE and I mean HHAATTEE!! people that sit on the net, posting blogs about how she was "hopped up on drugs" blah blah blah. You are heartless, you care more about the fact that she may have be high or drunk, we ALL make mistakes. And IF she was drunk or high or whatever, the fact remains, that Lee and Sharon HAVE LOST ANOTHER CHILD. A young 18 year old girl has died. DIED!!!!! She's not here anymore, and when people respond "I feel so bad for the family....But....she shouldn't...." just don't say anything at all...because u make the situation worst. I feel that because I know her, my friends know her, some of you posting don't...put yourself in our shoes before u make a comment. The people that "state the facts" there is a time and a place, and 3 days after her death, this isn't the time nor the place. She was a wonderful young girl. That's not sugarcoating. It's the truth. She helped her brother in a time of need, putting her life on the line. that to me is a good person. She went church, I see her and her family there. That's a good person. A mistake is just that a mistake. Be critical of your own life. judge yourself. Not her. Not Rachel. Not her family. Not me. Not my friends. Not her boyfriend or anyone else. U HAVE NO authority. Let her rest in peace. Don't tarnish her memory.

sld003	4/10/2008 at 10:34 PM
Rachel will be missed
Rachel will be missed by many, she was a beautiful and wonderful young woman. She was always happy and willing to help others. The services are over today - but she will not be forgotten! My thoughts and prayers are with the Johnsen family.
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pdjohnsen	4/11/2008 at 1:57 PM
Rachel Ellen Johnsen
Rachel would not have liked all this bickering. She was fun loving and kind hearted and filled with love and good thoughts for everyone. All of us are imperfect in some way. Please stop throwing stones and passing judgement on such a wonderful girl whose life came to a terrible conclusion. I am 54 years old and I have never come across anyone who lived life as charmingly as she did and who impacted positively on so many people as she did. I loved Rachel dearly. Please stop fussing about what may or may not have contributed to her accident. It was very tragic and this world was a much better place when she was here.
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18-Year-Old Killed in Crash Sunday Morning; Police Say Drugs, Alcohol Involved

18-Year-Old Killed in Crash Sunday Morning; Police Say Drugs, Alcohol Involved

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