Affidavit reveals details in investigation of I-76 crash that killed firefighter

LOWER MERION TWP., Pa. - The driver accused in a crash that killed a firefighter and injured three other first responders told officers she was drinking while behind the wheel, according to an arrest affidavit.

Police say officers and firefighters were responding to an earlier accident on I-76 early Saturday when Jacquelyn Walker, 63, drove up the shoulder and hit Lower Merion Township firefighter Thomas Royds, two other firefighters and a state trooper. Royds was taken to Paoli Hospital where he died.

After the crash, Walker was distraught and kept repeating, "Oh my God, Oh My God," police said.

Jacquelyn Walker

Walker poured rum into her soda in the car and admitted to drinking it while driving, the affidavit states.

Police also say Walker smelled of alcohol and a trooper saw her dump brown liquid onto the road after the crash. Walker believed the crash happened at 5 p.m. instead of 3 a.m. and she was on I-295 not I-76.

The Montgomery County DA says his office will seek justice for all the victims of the crash.

Walker, of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, faces homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence and other related charges. (Editor's Note: Driving under the influence charges originally filed against Walker have since been dropped).

In October, authorities charged Walker with third-degree murder.

Royds worked at the Union Fire Association full-time and even worked as a volunteer with the Clifton Heights and the Belmont Hills Fire Company. The chief says that anyone that knew him, knew that he loved his job.

He will be laid to rest Saturday.