Police: Reality TV star killed Coast Guardsman from NJ in DWI wreck

<p>Authorities say a reality TV star killed a U.S. Coast Guard technician from New Jersey in a drunken wrong-way collision on a Virginia highway.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 10, 2017, 9:49 PM

Updated 2,364 days ago

Share:

Authorities say a reality TV star killed a U.S. Coast Guard technician from New Jersey in a drunken wrong-way collision on a Virginia highway.
News outlets report that 25-year-old Melissa Hancock has been charged with driving while intoxicated and maiming following the death of 29-year-old Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Dill.
Hancock appeared on Lifetime's "Little Women: Atlanta," a reality show that focuses on women of short stature.
Dill was a Logan Township native who was stationed in Portsmouth as an information systems technician.
Virginia State Police say Hancock struck Dill head-on around 2 a.m. Nov. 4 on Interstate 264. WCAU-TV reports that Dill was driving to pick up his wife, who'd been drinking. He died of his injuries the next day.
"I am just disgusted that her poor decision cost my son, who was making all the right decisions, his life. It's just so unfair,” says Christopher Dill, Sr., Daniel's father.
Hancock's attorney, Stephen Pfeiffer, says he's investigating the allegations regarding the "tragic accident."
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


More from News 12
1:48
Newburgh charity founder faces federal charges, accused of falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient and stealing from the VA

Newburgh charity founder faces federal charges, accused of falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient and stealing from the VA

2:12
Summer feeling with highs in the 80s tomorrow in the Hudson Valley

Summer feeling with highs in the 80s tomorrow in the Hudson Valley

0:53
Health care workers picket outside Phelps Hospital demanding better conditions

Health care workers picket outside Phelps Hospital demanding better conditions

0:41
Sen. Gillibrand announces passage of new bill to fight fentanyl crisis

Sen. Gillibrand announces passage of new bill to fight fentanyl crisis

0:50
Westchester county executive announces $3 million allocated to build affordable housing in Mamaroneck

Westchester county executive announces $3 million allocated to build affordable housing in Mamaroneck

0:33
Changes to recreational striped bass fishing regulations in the Hudson River

Changes to recreational striped bass fishing regulations in the Hudson River

0:39
DEC: Bloomingburg taking ‘corrective action’ to fix major sewage leak into Shawangunk Kill

DEC: Bloomingburg taking ‘corrective action’ to fix major sewage leak into Shawangunk Kill

0:32
Suspect arrested in fatal shooting at unlicensed cannabis store in Mount Vernon

Suspect arrested in fatal shooting at unlicensed cannabis store in Mount Vernon

0:20
Arrest made in Spring Valley stabbing case

Arrest made in Spring Valley stabbing case

0:31
Putnam County man killed in crash following pursuit

Putnam County man killed in crash following pursuit

0:51
Westchester County allocates $3 million for affordable housing in Mamaroneck

Westchester County allocates $3 million for affordable housing in Mamaroneck

2:07
Traffic Alert: Speed limit reduced to 25 mph in White Plains

Traffic Alert: Speed limit reduced to 25 mph in White Plains

0:35
Westchester County issues warning regarding phony contractors

Westchester County issues warning regarding phony contractors

0:35
Traffic Alert: Postponed construction on Orrs Mill Road in Town of Cornwall

Traffic Alert: Postponed construction on Orrs Mill Road in Town of Cornwall

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:33
What marijuana reclassification means for the United States

What marijuana reclassification means for the United States

0:56
Homeless man arrested for 20th time in Ulster County for possessing stolen items

Homeless man arrested for 20th time in Ulster County for possessing stolen items

0:25
Attention Cold Spring residents: Fireworks alert

Attention Cold Spring residents: Fireworks alert

0:25
Meet the therapy dogs bringing joy to White Plains Hospital

Meet the therapy dogs bringing joy to White Plains Hospital

1:12
Headlines: Beacon drug dealer arrested again, Haverstraw burglary, prison health care fraudsters

Headlines: Beacon drug dealer arrested again, Haverstraw burglary, prison health care fraudsters