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Driver in fatal ATV crashed charged

The driver in a fatal all-terrain vehicle crash on Sunday in Banks Township, Carbon County, is facing charges.

State police at Hazleton said at 12:49 a.m. troopers were dispatched to a crash along Wixoln Circle, near the intersection with West Main Street.

Through the investigation it was determined that the ATV driver, Joseph Reese, 42, of Hazleton, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

Reese had two passengers with him, both taken to the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton Campus. The one passenger, identified as Kimberly A. Kraus, 30, of Hazleton, was then flown to the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest, where she died of her injuries, according to the Lehigh County coroner’s office. The other passenger, only identified as a juvenile, sustained minor injuries and was treated and released at the Hazleton hospital.

Troopers said the ATV rolled, over ejecting the two passengers.

Reese has been charged with homicide by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, DUI, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person (two counts), careless driving, reckless driving, ATVs operation on streets and highways and unlawful operation of an ATV in a careless way.

Reese was arraigned on the charges on Sunday and committed to the county prison, unable to post bail.