Newington Mom Killed After Car Strikes Pole

UPDATE 11:30 p.m.: We have added a photo of Casey Noriega, information about a Web site that has been set up to remember her, as well as a quote from her friend Annee Olden.

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UPDATE: We have updated this story to reflect Casey Noriega's employment and high school alma mater.

A Newington-area mom was involved in a single-vehicle fatal crash on Saturday, according to Fairfax County Police.

At about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Casey Noriega, 29, of Haynes Point Way, was driving a 2001 Toyota Camry southbound on Beulah Street approaching the intersection of Windsor Avenue. For unknown reasons, she drove off the road and struck a pole. She was 1.4 miles from her home, although it is uncertain if she was driving home or had just left home.

Noriega was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead, police said. Noriega worked at Gymboree Play and Music, an employee confirmed on Sunday. The company has two Alexandria locations. 

Noriega had one 7 year-old son, Rasheed.

Noriega's friend Annee Olden recalled her friendship with Noriega Sunday night: "I started taking my son to Gymboree two years ago and started working there last year so I've known her for two years," Olden said in an e-mail.

"I am glad my son is only 2... he'll miss her when we're there but he won't know why she's not there. She was such a sweet woman and always a blast to hang out with—always fun to talk to. She was terrific with the kids and my son adored her. Work will not be the same without her smiley self bouncing around..."

A memorial site for Noriega has been set up for friends and family at: http://caseynoriega.last-memories.com; friends and family hope to start a scholarship fund for her son.

Noriega was a graduate of Arlington County's Wakefield High School (class of 2000). 

Neither speed nor alcohol appears to be contributing factors of the crash. FCPD said the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.