89-year-old island driver killed in Wednesday afternoon crash

An 89-year-old Hilton Head Island driver died at the scene of a collision Wednesday after her vehicle crossed the grass median on U.S. 278 and struck a van, authorities say.

Helen Fornwalt was headed east on U.S. 278 when her 2008 Toyota crossed the median and struck a van driven by John Renn of Bluffton, who was traveling west.

Bluffton Township Fire District personnel responded to the crash that occurred around 4:15 p.m. near Windmill Harbour, according to a state Highway Patrol report.

Beaufort County Coroner Ed Allen said Fornwalt died at the scene.

Renn, 55, was taken to Hilton Head Hospital, according to Joheida Fister, deputy fire marshal and spokeswoman for the Town of Hilton Head Island Fire and Rescue Division, which sent medical vehicles to the scene.

The extent of Renn's injures was unknown, but he was discharged from the hospital later Wednesday, according to an emergency room employee.

The crash snarled westbound traffic headed toward Bluffton for more than an hour, backing up traffic to the Modern Classic Motors dealership on Hilton Head.

Highway Patrol spokesman Lance Cpl. Bob Beres wrote in an e-mail Wednesday night that the collision is still under investigation.