Columbia man killed in car accident

David Garr was pronounced dead on the scene.

By Matt Wheeler

Published June 25, 2009

A Columbia man was killed Wednesday when his vehicle was broadsided, according to a Columbia Police Department news release.

Darin Garr, 21, was hit by a Ford Taurus driven east-bound by Theodore Hoell, 66, also of Columbia. Garr’s vehicle rolled once and came to rest upside down in a ditch, Columbia Fire Department Battalion Chief Gary Warren said. Warren said Garr was ejected from the vehicle and was pinned under it. He was pronounced dead on scene before he could be extricated.

Garr was not wearing his seatbelt, and his airbag did not deploy, CPD officer Brian Tate said. The department has not yet determined if alcohol was a factor, but Tate said investigations of this type take 30 to 45 days to complete.

A CFD news release stated Hoell was taken to the hospital with minor injuries to the chest consistent with airbag deployment. He was discharged from the hospital Wednesday night. Tate said Hoell was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident.

“The important thing is to slow down anytime you are coming to a curve, especially a blind spot,” Warren said. “And as always, wear your seatbelt.”