http://keyetv.com/entertainment/entertainment_story_024123423.html

A Los Angeles Mother Died Last Month After A Collision Involving The R&B Singer

(AP) LOS ANGELES R&B singer Brandy was involved and possibly caused a fatal crash, according to a report Wednesday.

The Web site TMZ.com reported that the accident happened at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 30, 2006 on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles, when Brandy Norwood was driving her Land Rover at 65 miles per hour and didn't realize that the cars in front of her were moving at a much slower rate.

TMZ reported that the singer's vehicle hit a 2005 Toyota, which then hit a 1989 Toyota. The 2005 Toyota slid sideways into the center divider and was hit by a 1988 Acura. The driver of the 2005 Toyota, Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, a Los Angeles mother of one, was taken to Holy Cross Hospital and died the next day.

Brandy was not injured or arrested, and there was no evidence of drug or alcohol use, the Web site reported. Police are doing a mechanical investigation of the cars involved in the accident to determine if there was a malfunction, it said.

In a statement sent to The Showbuzz, Brandy's representative, Courtney Barnes, said: "Brandy was involved in a car accident Dec. 30, 2006, in Los Angeles where there was a fatality. She wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased. Brandy asks that you respect the privacy of everyone involved at this time."

When asked why the public hadn't heard about the accident until nearly a month after it happened, a representative for Brandy said that her agency didn't know about it until today and called the accident "quite devastating."

A man answering calls at the Los Angeles Police Department said he didn't have any information on the accident and that the department.

Lamont Bentley, Brandy's "Moesha" co-star, died in January 2005 when his car plunged off the freeway where her accident took place.

Also last month, "Prison Break" star Lane Garrison was the driver in a fatal Beverly Hills accident that killed a 17-year-old who was riding in the car. The two other occupants — 15-year-old girls — were injured in the crash and police said there was evidence that Garrison was driving under the influence.


(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. )

From TMZ

UPDATE:
EXCLUSIVE -- BRANDY ADMITTED FAULT AT SCENE
In an exclusive conversation with the man driving directly behind Brandy at the time of her fateful crash, TMZ has learned that the singer repeatedly blamed herself at the scene of the accident.

"She got upset, talking about how it was all her fault ... she didn't stop, kept saying how she hit the lady," says the witness.

The witness also claims he tried to calm the hysterical singer, and even dished out some legal advice, saying he advised her to stop admitting guilt. He also consoled her by repeatedly saying "It was an accident."

The witness also claims he went over to check on the woman in the Toyota, but couldn't find a pulse.

TMZ has learned R&B sensation Brandy was involved in a fatal accident last month, and it appears to be her fault.

It happened at 10:30 AM on December 30, 2006 on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Brandy was driving her 2007 Land Rover at 65 mph and did not notice that cars in front of her had slowed considerably. We're told Brandy's vehicle struck a 2005 Toyota. The Toyota then hit a 1989 Toyota. The 2005 Toyota then slid sideways and hit the center divider. As the 2005 Toyota came to a halt, it was struck by a 1988 Acura.

In a statement to TMZ from Brandy's publicist, Courtney Barnes, the singer confirmed her involement in a fatal crash: Brandy was involved in a car accident December 30, 2006 in Los Angeles where there was a fatality. She wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased. Brandy asks that you respect the privacy of everyone involved at this time.

We're told the driver of the 2005 Toyota, Awatef Aboudihaj, was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in critical condition and she died the next day. Aboudihaj, a 38-year-old married mother of one, was a Los Angeles resident.

Brandy was not injured. The driver of the Acura suffered moderate injuries.

Brandy was not arrested and there is no evidence drugs or alcohol were involved.

Police are doing a mechanical investigation of the cars involved in the accident to determine if there was a malfunction.

Brandy's "Moesha" co-star, Lamont Bentley, was killed in January, 2005 when his car plunged off the same freeway. Another "Moesha" co-star, Merlin Santana, was killed by a gunshot wound while sitting in the passenger seat of a car in 2002.

That poor woman, rest her soul. I don't know why people, celebrities or not, have to drive recklessly. This happened in the morning. It reminds me of the actress Rebecca Gayheart, who was driving like she owned the road too a few years back and killed a little boy who was crossing the street.

That poor woman, rest her soul. I don't know why people, celebrities or not, have to drive recklessly. This happened in the morning. It reminds me of the actress Rebecca Gayheart, who was driving like she owned the road too a few years back and killed a little boy who was crossing the street.
I remember that Rebecca Gayheart incident. The little boy came from a poor family and she was totally devastated at what she had done. I believe she paid for the funeral/burial services, if I am correct.

I remember that Rebecca Gayheart incident. The little boy came from a poor family and she was totally devastated at what she had done. I believe she paid for the funeral/burial services, if I am correct.
I'm sure it's very difficult for her to live with, and probably not a day goes by that she doesn't think of him. I do remember that she was driving recklessly...same thing as Brandy, in broad daylight.

I worked with a woman for years whose nine-year old son, Bryan, was struck and killed while on his bike. Her son came speeding around the corner and drove head-on into the car himself. The driver never saw him coming and had no time to avoid him. Witnesses saw it. It was her son's fault. My friend never blamed the driver and actually helped him deal with his guilt. He was only 17 years old. It happened in 1991. I met her five years after it happened.

I'm sure it's very difficult for her to live with, and probably not a day goes by that she doesn't think of him. I do remember that she was driving recklessly...same thing as Brandy, in broad daylight.

I worked with a woman for years whose nine-year old son, Bryan, was struck and killed while on his bike. Her son came speeding around the corner and drove head-on into the car himself. The driver never saw him coming and had no time to avoid him. Witnesses saw it. It was her son's fault. My friend never blamed the driver and actually helped him deal with his guilt. He was only 17 years old. It happened in 1991. I met her five years after it happened.
What a remarkable lady. She knew what was right in her heart and as much as she was dealing with, she also knew what that person must have gone through. Even though it wasn't his fault, still, the pain and guilt remains, as well as the "what ifs". That is fascinating. I wish there were more people like her. Too many people carry hate and seek vengeance.

This is truly sad. Brandy should have been arrested, I don't feel sorry for Brandy. What's truly sad if Brandy wasn't a 'celebrity'(A-list no more but still a celebrity) she would have gotten arrested.

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20070130/D8MV9G9O0.html

Police Want Brandy Charged in Fatality


http://ak.imgfarm.com/images/ap/thumbnails//PEOPLE_BRANDY.sff_NYET187_20070129142438.jpg (http://apnews.excite.com/image/20070129/PEOPLE_BRANDY.sff_NYET187_20070129142438.html?date=20070130&docid=D8MV9G9O0)
(AP) Recording artist Brandy poses in Los Angeles, Sunday, June 27, 2004. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)Full Image (http://apnews.excite.com/image/20070129/PEOPLE_BRANDY.sff_NYET187_20070129142438.html?date=20070130&docid=D8MV9G9O0)

LOS ANGELES (AP) - The California Highway Patrol recommended Monday that actress-singer Brandy be charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in a freeway crash that killed a woman motorist last month, a city attorney's spokesman told The Associated Press.

The CHP referred the matter to the city attorney's office for review, said spokesman Nick Velasquez.

"The office is currently reviewing the case and determining whether the evidence warrants the filing of a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter," Velasquez said.

A message seeking comment from Brandy's publicist, Courtney Barnes, was not immediately returned. Earlier this month, Barnes issued a statement saying Brandy "wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased."

Barnes also has said Brandy wasn't under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine, Velasquez said.

Prosecutors couldn't say when they would make a decision about whether to bring a case. If charged, Brandy wouldn't necessarily have to appear in court and could have her lawyer enter a plea, Velasquez said.

Brandy, 27, was driving a Land Rover on Interstate 405 on Dec. 30 when traffic slowed and her vehicle struck the back of Honda driven by Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, according to a CHP report.

Aboudihaj's car hit another vehicle, slid sideways into the center divider and was then hit by another car, the report said. Aboudihaj, a Los Angeles waitress, died at a hospital from blunt-force injuries, according to the coroner's office.

The CHP alleges in a report that Brandy caused the accident by breaking a law against driving at a speed "greater than is reasonable or prudent" or that "endangers the safety of persons or property," according to a part of the report obtained by the AP.

Bill Sayed, an attorney for Aboudihaj's husband, said he supported the CHP's recommendation. Brandy, who earned a Grammy in 1999, has made five albums. She began her recording career at 14 and acted for film and television, starring on the sitcom "Moesha" from 1996-2001 and most recently as a judge for NBC's "America's Got Talent."

Wow! Interesting.

awwwwww,Brandy :(...I feel sorry for the family but I feel sorry for Brandy too because that's a heavy thing to have to bear.

And if convicted she faces up to a year in prison. Why if it was an accident? Well the case is under review so we will see what happens

And if convicted she faces up to a year in prison. Why if it was an accident? Well the case is under review so we will see what happens


Even if it was a accident you can still be changed with vehicular manslaughter. But I doubt that she'll get charged with anything especially if she didn't leave the scene of the accident.

Reports are that Brandy was driving recklessly and speeding. Although she didn't mean to kill anyone, someone did die, due to her negligence. I think she should be charged if the report I read is true.

I heard somewhere that I wasn't even the initial impact that killed the lady. It was a second car (not Brandy's) which killed her.

They're asking for 50 million dollars, which is rediculous. If this were not a famous person, would they be asking for 50 million...no. They are trying to become rich from their family member's death, and that is sad. It's not as if she were intoxicated or anything...

They're asking for 50 million dollars, which is rediculous. If this were not a famous person, would they be asking for 50 million...no. They are trying to become rich from their family member's death, and that is sad. It's not as if she were intoxicated or anything...

I might have to disagree with you, Brandy was the one who wasn't paying attention which left someone dead. Brandy was speeding when everyone else wasn't she knows better.

If Brandy wasn't a celebrity she would have charges filed on her that very second and the charges would have been MUCH heavier than one year in jail.

Brandy is at fault, no one can blame anybody but her.

I heard somewhere that I wasn't even the initial impact that killed the lady. It was a second car (not Brandy's) which killed her.
It was a chain reaction, set off by Brandy. Actually it reads to me like the car Brandy hit was the one that the deceased was in.

http://keyetv.com/entertainment/entertainment_story_024123423.html (http://keyetv.com/entertainment/entertainment_story_024123423.html)

the singer's vehicle hit a 2005 Toyota, which then hit a 1989 Toyota. The 2005 Toyota slid sideways into the center divider and was hit by a 1988 Acura. The driver of the 2005 Toyota, Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, a Los Angeles mother of one, was taken to Holy Cross Hospital and died the next day.

I might have to disagree with you, Brandy was the one who wasn't paying attention which left someone dead. Brandy was speeding when everyone else wasn't she knows better.

If Brandy wasn't a celebrity she would have charges filed on her that very second and the charges would have been MUCH heavier than one year in jail.

Brandy is at fault, no one can blame anybody but her.
The police have every right to charge her with whatever is reasonable for an accident...I am just saying that the family is putting a price on their family member's life. She is being sued for 50 million dollars because she is Brandy. In my opinion ,the family members would not be suing for 50 million dollars had it been a regular person. And there are no reports that she was speeding that I know of. I feel very sorry for the family of the woman that lost her life, but it was an accident, and accidents do happen, tragic as it is. I'm not condoning Brandy for causing the accident, but I definitely feel sorry for her, because we have all been negligent at one time or another while driving; no one can say they have not.

The police have every right to charge her with whatever is reasonable for an accident...I am just saying that the family is putting a price on their family member's life. She is being sued for 50 million dollars because she is Brandy. In my opinion ,the family members would not be suing for 50 million dollars had it been a regular person. And there are no reports that she was speeding that I know of. I feel very sorry for the family of the woman that lost her life, but it was an accident, and accidents do happen, tragic as it is. I'm not condoning Brandy for causing the accident, but I definitely feel sorry for her, because we have all been negligent at one time or another while driving; no one can say they have not.


I totally agree, if it was an ordinary person they wouldn't be asking for 50 million dollars. Its sad and tacky when people try to profit off of a loved one's death. I can understanding a person suing for pain and suffering, but not for 50 million dollars.

2nd Lawsuit Filed in Brandy Fatal Crash

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A second wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against actress-singer Brandy in a December freeway crash.

On Jan. 30, a $50 million lawsuit claimed Brandy was driving recklessly when her sport utility vehicle struck the back of a Honda driven by Awatef Aboudihaj, 38. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of her parents, Aboudihaj Ahmed and Labridi Zohra, who reside in Morocco.

Awatef Aboudihaj was killed and her two sons, Mrwan Mohamed, 14, and Kareem Mohamed, 10, were injured in the Dec. 30 accident on the San Diego Freeway.

The latest lawsuit was filed Feb. 8 by attorney Paul N. Philips on behalf of the two boys. It said unspecified injuries to the children will likely cause some permanent disability. Damages will be determined at trial, the lawsuit said.

"The accident was a terrible tragedy, and Brandy's heart goes out to Awatef Aboudihaj's family. But for legal reasons we cannot comment on this lawsuit," the singer's spokesman, Allan Mayer, said in an earlier statement.

The city attorney's office is still deciding whether to charge the singer, whose real name is Brandy Norwood, with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, which was recommended by California Highway Patrol investigators, spokesman Jonathan Diamond said Wednesday.

If charged and convicted, Brandy, 28, faces up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Brandy, who earned a Grammy in 1999, has made five albums. She began her recording career at 14 and has acted for film and television, starring on the sitcom "Moesha" from 1996-2001 and most recently as a judge for NBC's "America's Got Talent."