Decision Made On Charges In Crash That Killed McLean Woman

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County Police will not file criminal charges in the Jan. 27 crash that killed 32-year-old Xuewei He of McLean, according to authorities.

“The investigation, which included an extensive review of evidence, witness interviews and crash scene reconstruction, supported the conclusion the driver of the pickup truck experienced a medical emergency prior to the crash,” according to police. “Following consultation with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, criminal charges will not be sought against the driver of the pickup truck.”

On Jan. 27, He was driving a sedan turning onto Wilson Boulevard from North Vermont Street when her vehicle was struck by an eastbound pickup truck on Wilson Boulevard at a high rate of speed, police said.

The impact from the crash sent the pickup and sedan into two other vehicles that were stopped at the traffic light at Wilson Boulevard and North Glebe Road, a police news release said. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

“Xuewei was a kind and very caring young woman,” said Dr. Patricia Tate, an associate professor emerita at George Washington University, where He was a doctoral candidate. “As her dissertation adviser, I must say she was an excellent doctoral student who showed great respect for me and the individuals on her committee. Xuewei was always willing to take feedback and act on it. She worked hard in getting her dissertation ready to submit for approval of her defense this semester. Xuewei was planning on starting a family after her doctorate. I am saddened by the loss of this special young woman who was embarking on a good life filled with love, family, and a professional career."

To date, police have not released the name of the pickup driver, who remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

Investigators said that in addition to the fatal crash, the driver of the pickup truck struck a second vehicle that was eastbound on Wilson Boulevard. Additionally, two vehicles crashed at Wilson Boulevard at North Wakefield Street while attempting to avoid the pickup truck.

No injuries were reported as a result of these crashes.

Officers who were westbound on Wilson Boulevard were stopped at the traffic light at North George Mason Drive when the pickup truck sped through the intersection into the wrong lanes of travel, police said. The officers made a U-turn and headed east on Wilson Boulevard to investigate.

The fatal crash occurred before police reached the area.