Kern Valley Sun
Issue dedicated to Sheryl Muncy
Friday evening a tragic automobile accident claimed the life of Sheryl Muncy, a Kern Valley Sun employee since 2001; production manager since 2005. Sheryl Muncy was an integral part of our team and we mourn her loss as we struggled to produce this week’s edition. We ask that you bear with us in the next weeks as we get through our own grieving process and strive to continue to produce a great product just as Muncy would expect of us.
 The Kern Valley Sun team had a blast celebrating Whiskey Flat Days aboard the Sun’s 50th anniversary float in the Whiskey Flat Day parade on Feb. 14, and Muncy was front and center. |
The accident
Sheryl Diane Muncy, 44, and John Michael Romnick, 34, both of Bodfish, were killed instantly, according to the California Highway Patrol. The coroner’s officer determined Muncy, the driver, suffered a massive heart attack, a family spokesperson said.
Muncy’s brother, Jeffrey Tolle, 46, also of Bodfish, is the sole survivor of the accident. According to the CHP, the trio left Bodfish, traveling eastbound on Hwy. 178 around 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, headed for Kernville.
Muncy’s 2007 Mitsubishi took the off-ramp to Highway 155, but didn’t stop as the car went through the intersection. The vehicle hit a center divider and then a curb on the east side of Hwy. 155. It launched into the air and landed in an embankment in a flat area, the CHP reported. The car kept going, finally coming to a stop on its roof in a concrete drainage culvert. Muncy was wearing a seat belt; Romnick, seated in the rear seat, was not, the release said. Tolle, riding in the front passenger seat, is believed to have been wearing his seat belt.
Tolle lay unconscious for hours before waking up and calling for help early Saturday morning. He used a cell phone to reach authorities, but he didn’t know where the accident occurred. CHP officers, Kern County Sheriff’s deputies, Kern County Fire Department, and Kern Valley Search and Rescue searched the area, and a medevac helicopter ultimately found the wreck about 4:15 a.m., according to the CHP.
Tolle was airlifted to Kern Medical Center and listed in stable condition, according to staff at Kern Medical Center.
Comments
9 comment(s)Angie wrote on Mar 13, 2009 10:24 AM:
Kim Deacon wrote on Mar 9, 2009 12:02 PM:
Laurel Romick wrote on Mar 7, 2009 7:57 PM:
To my "Big" brother John, your memory will always live on in my heart. I have peace knowing you were happy, and felt no pain. Your my angel now, and i know you will always be watching over me. You will always be missed, but never forgotten.
-Your "LiL Sister Laurel" "
Madison Romick wrote on Mar 7, 2009 2:10 PM:
Suzanne Doran wrote on Mar 7, 2009 6:07 AM:
Mike Devich wrote on Mar 6, 2009 1:20 PM:
Shelly Bruns wrote on Mar 5, 2009 8:18 PM:
I will miss Sheryl's glowing smile and playful laughter just as much as all of you. The Kern Valley Sun staff has always been like family - playing, laughing, working and crying together. Hold tight to the memories she gave to us. Wrap her in love and tuck her in your hearts and she'll be with us forever. As always, my heart is with all of you.
Shelly Bruns
Former KV Sun Production Manager "
Peg wrote on Mar 4, 2009 8:57 AM:
Debra Smith wrote on Mar 4, 2009 7:55 AM:
I am so sorry to hear about Sheryl's accident and I pray for a fast recovery for Jeff, I haven't seen my 2nd cousins for a very long time but I hold my memories of them close to my heart. I pray that god watches over her boys and may you all find strength and peace during this difficult time.
Debi Smith
Tulsa, Oklahoma "