Ithaca Woman Indicted for 2023 Fatal Rt 13 Crash

Juria Vanness, a 41-year-old woman from Ithaca, has been indicted on multiple felony charges, including vehicular manslaughter, stemming from a fatal accident on October 26, 2023. The incident occurred on State Route 13 when Vanness attempted to pass a pickup truck driven by 25-year-old Alexei Seymour, leading to a collision that resulted in Seymour's death. Vanness reportedly crossed a double solid line and struck the trailer being towed by Seymour's vehicle, causing both vehicles to enter oncoming traffic, where they collided with a semi-truck. Following a grand jury indictment on February 27, 2025, Vanness was arrested on March 25 and has pleaded not guilty; she is currently free on bail with a court appearance scheduled for May 9. The charges against her also include operating a vehicle with a revoked license and driving while impaired by drugs. The legal proceedings will continue as Vanness maintains her innocence until proven guilty.