Felony Charges Filed Against Driver of Fatal Accident

Two felony charges were filed Tuesday in Nashville involving a fatal accident that occurred in February of this year in Howard County. 21 year old Chance Manasco, of Mena, is charged with Negligent Homicide and First Degree Battery. Authorities said Manasco was driving a Chevrolet Traverse on Highway 84 near Umpire, when he lost control of the vehicle in a curve. The vehicle overturned several times, eventually striking a tree before coming to rest. A passenger, 19 year old Rachel Norman of Wickes, died at the scene from her injuries. Manasco and three other minors in the vehicle were injured, according to police reports.

State troopers working the wreck said they detected the odor of alcohol coming from Manasco and testing conducted by the State Crime Lab found Manasco’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. A reconstruction of the accident by state police determined Manasco’s vehicle had been traveling at speeds approaching 90 miles per hour just before the accident occurred.