The driver of a car involved in a two vehicle crash that claimed the life of an Ogallala woman and critically injured her passenger has been arrested on a charge of Driving Under the Influence.

Edward E. Hood, 45, Sheridan, Wyoming was lodged in the Garden County Jail on the charge following the crash which occurred Saturday, December 7, just before 3:00 p.m.,(MDT), five miles west of Oshkosh, on Highway 26.

The initial crash investigation indicates a 2002 Toyota driven by Hood was eastbound on Highway 26 when he lost control of the vehicle. The car crossed the center line and struck a westbound 2006 Chrysler Sebring driven by Terry J. Hofer, 62, of Ogallala.

Hofer was killed in the crash. A passenger in her vehicle Claudia Weinbender, 62, of Dix, was flown by medical helicopter to Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, with life threatening injuries.

Hood, who was as also wanted on an outstanding warrant out of Florida for Failure to Appear on a Charge of DUI, was treated and released from the Garden County Hospital before being lodged in the Garden County Jail.

The Nebraska State Patrol was assisted by the Garden County Sheriff’s Office, Keith County Sheriff’s Office, Oshkosh Volunteer Fire Department and the Garden County Attorney.

The investigation into the crash continues.  Reports once completed will be forwarded to the Garden County Attorney.