VMI grad killed in Hanover bike accident

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HANOVER COUNTY (WRIC) – Police have identified the woman who was killed after being struck by a car while riding her bike in Hanover on Saturday.

The accident happened at approximately 11 a.m. near the intersection of Mountain Road and Farrington Road.

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According to police, 26-year-old Caroline Dawn Wortham of Glen Allen was riding her bike west on Mountain Road when a 1996 Buick Century struck her from behind. Wortham was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was not injured.

Wortham studied biology at VMI and graduated with high honors. She was an-award winning track and field athlete — competing in pole vaulting and cross country.

"It was someone that across the board, across the spectrum, was an easy, very go-lucky happy person," said good friend and VMI grad James Rivas.

VMI graduates from all over have showing an outpour of love for Wortham.

"We were very close. The experiences that we had at VMI kind of prompted us to be that way," said Rivas.

Wortham also volunteered with the nonprofit "Midwives for Haiti."

The group posted a comment on its Facebook page:

"Our hearts are broken to pieces. Our wonderful Carrie Wortham was killed yesterday when a car hit her from behind while she was on her bike. She worked for us tirelessly for a year in Haiti and then as administrative assistant for a year in the U.S. We loved her so much."

"She put forth her whole heart into everything she did. he athletics, her school work and then again, her volunteer work. And personally I feel like those, all the efforts that she made are going to have a lasting impact," said Rivas.

Wortham was currently working as a consultant at Impact Makers, a management and consulting company in Richmond.

Company President Carl Miller released a statement Sunday night:

"Carrie was a tremendous person and wonderful employee who made a difference with our clients and our community partners. Our company is devastated by this news and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family."

Wortham's funeral will be Friday, September 11 at 6 p.m. at the Commonwealth Chapel Southside Campus. Address is 3505 Old Hundred Rd. Midlothian Va 23112 .

Investigators will be consulting with the Hanover Commonwealth Attorney's Office to discuss possible charges for the driver.

Anyone who may have information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff's Office at 804-730-6110.