SAN ANTONIO — Two people had to be saved from their vehicles after an early-morning crash on the west side, authorities say, including the driver now accused of intoxication manslaughter after the collision had deadly results.
The crash unfolded in the 14700 block of Potranco Road around 4:30 a.m. Thursday, where 35-year-old Giovanna Blangiardo was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road before colliding with another vehicle head-on, according to officials with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. A third vehicle was also hit in the small chain of crashes, but no one in that car was hurt.
The victim who died after being hospitalized has been identified as 39-year-old woman, Whitney Weddel. According to East Central ISD, Weddel was a graduate and teacher with the district. ECISD officials released the following statement:
"Whitney Weddel was an East Central High School graduate and, after that, an exceptional teacher in our district. She was beloved by her students and admired by her colleagues. Whitney's impact was far-reaching and will continue for generations to come as she has dozens of former students working as healthcare professionals across our city and beyond. ECISD is grateful for her impeccable service and is deeply saddened by her passing."
Blangiardo posted bail on a $250,000 bond and was released Friday. She's due in court March 13.