Texas City commissioner tests negative for marijuana after fatal crash
GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Texas City commissioner admitted to smoking marijuana before a fatal crash, but the drug did not show up in her system, according to court records.
Authorities said Dee Ann Haney, 54, admitted to smoking marijuana before the July incident that killed a father and his son.
But in newly released drug tests from the night of the crash, Haney tested negative for eight illegal drugs, including amphetamines, opiates, cocaine, and THC. The toxicology tests detected amounts of pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and zolpidem (a sedative most commonly used in Ambien), but there was no further testing done to determine those amounts.
The crash happened on July 3 on northbound I-45 near the Galveston Causeway at 12:55 a.m. Monday.
Law enforcement at the scene said two men were standing outside of a stopped black truck when Haney, driving another pickup, hit them.
Police said the men and another person were trying to secure items in the bed of the truck when the crash happened. Authorities identified the men killed as Van Duoc Le, 59, and his son Phue Hong Le, 33.
Haney was taken to a nearby hospital and then booked into Galveston County Jail. Haney was charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter in connection with the crash.
In a probable cause affidavit, a trooper told investigators that Haney was under the influence of marijuana and that she admitted to smoking pot before the crash. Troopers determined marijuana intoxication after a field sobriety test.
RELATED: Who is Texas City Commissioner Dee Ann Haney?
A magistrate judge set Haney's bond at $100,000. As part of the conditions, Haney was required to install a breathalyzer in her vehicle. Additionally, she has not been allowed into any place that serves primarily alcohol.
Texas City Mayor Matthew Doyle confirmed to Eyewitness News that Haney is a sitting commissioner-at-large for the city.
Haney is also an employee of Texas A&M University at Galveston, working as a lab safety and training coordinator.
The university released a statement following the crash:
"We learned this morning that an employee of Texas A&M University at Galveston, Dee Ann Haney, was involved in a vehicle accident last night that resulted in two deaths. Our deepest condolences go to the families of those who lost their lives."
Dee Ann Haney (Source: Galveston Co. Sheriff's Office)
