Wreck victim wasn't found for hours

Wednesday, June 10, 2009
By David Melson

Chief Deputy David Williams Jr., left, points out details about the vehicle in which Janice Marie Polly was killed Tuesday near Unionville.
(T-G Photo by David Melson)

The victim of a Tuesday traffic accident may have lain dead in her smashed vehicle near a busy highway for nearly 12 hours before being discovered, investigators said.

Janice Marie Polly, 57, of Gregory Mill Road, was found in her Dodge Durango SUV off U.S, 41-A, less than a half-mile south of Unionville, State Trooper Chad McAnally said. The wreck was spotted shortly after 2 p.m., authorities said.

"Relatives said they had last talked to her at 2:30 a.m.," McAnally said.

Polly was likely killed instantly due to multiple injuries, according to McAnally.

The vehicle was in a field, behind large bushes and trees with only the rear end slightly visible from the highway. Its front end was smashed against a large tree. The windshield and rear window were broken.

"She was southbound leaving Unionville toward Shelbyville and ran off the road," McAnally said. "I'd estimate she was traveling 60 to 65 miles per hour. The speed limit in that area is 55 miles per hour.

"There were no skid marks or signs she hit her brakes."

Polly was not wearing a seat belt, McAnally said.

Comments

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My thoughts are with the Polly family.

-- Posted by jtjustice30 on Wed, Jun 10, 2009, at 9:29 AM

My prayers for the family.

-- Posted by Momof3&3step&1gran on Wed, Jun 10, 2009, at 9:34 AM

Not being found right after a crash has always been one of my biggest fears for the ones I love. Sympathy and prayers for the Janice Marie Polly family.

-- Posted by nailman on Wed, Jun 10, 2009, at 10:03 AM

Ronnie, I am so sorry for your loss I knew Janice for 36 years and just talked with her a couple weeks ago at the Fishermans Park May God Bless you and your family

-- Posted by wanderingme on Wed, Jun 10, 2009, at 11:05 AM

God Bless This Family

-- Posted by Skboy12 on Wed, Jun 10, 2009, at 1:44 PM

sorry for ur loss family is in our prayers

-- Posted by t l b on Wed, Jun 10, 2009, at 2:02 PM

IT ALWAYS SEEMS THAT WHEN THEY CAN NOT EXPLAIN WHY THE ACCICENT HAS HAPPEN, IT HAD TO BE SPEED. WHY WAS IT 60- 65 MILES PER HOUR? LIKE HITTING A TREE AT 55 WOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT.McANALLY SHOULD NOT MAKE STATEMENTS LIKE THAT, WHEN IT IS ONLY HIS OPINION.MY PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY.

-- Posted by WOODCAT on Wed, Jun 10, 2009, at 7:08 PM

Woodcat

Police and especially Troopers are trained to be able to estimate vehicle speeds when investigating a crash. So, it isn't just his opinion, it is based on evidence.

Prayers to the family.

-- Posted by quietmike on Wed, Jun 10, 2009, at 7:27 PM

Where, exactly, was the vehicle found?

I am so sorry for the family and loved ones.

-- Posted by mmp84 on Wed, Jun 10, 2009, at 10:39 PM

I want to Thank EVERYONE for your prayers and thoughts. This is my grandmother and we truely miss her. GOD BLESS YOU ALL

-- Posted by peaceandlove on Wed, Jun 10, 2009, at 11:29 PM

My prayers to the family.

and to whomever attacked Chad, he is a great guy and has been a state trooper for a long time and knows what he is talking about. Besides, it is not like he said she was going 20 or 30 mph over, most cops wouldnt have even given her a tcket for going 5 miles over, so just stop attacking him and instead turn all that energy into praying for the family.

-- Posted by Kaci Eden on Thu, Jun 11, 2009, at 8:52 AM