FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A Martinsville physician died Monday night in a crash on Booker T. Washington Highway in Franklin County, according to Virginia State Police.

Dr. Diane Rowell died at a hospital after the crash, which happened Jan. 12 near the intersection of Jubal Early Highway.

Police said Rowell was one of two drivers involved.

The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.

According to the 9-1-1 center, multiple agencies were dispatched to the scene, including Burnt Chimney Volunteer Fire Department, Franklin County Fire and EMS, Red Valley Rescue Squad, Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Authorities said they are investigating the circumstances of the crash, which involved Rowell’s vehicle and a slow-moving farm-use truck in the dark.

Rowell worked at Sovah Health in Martinsville.

In a statement, Sovah Health said, “Dr. Diane Rowell has been a cherished member of our Sovah Martinsville family since the summer of 2012. We are deeply saddened by the news of her sudden passing on Monday due to injuries sustained in a car accident. She has been an integral part of our physician team, with a special dedication to caring for patients during overnight shifts.”

The hospital said Rowell earned her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1982 and her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 1989.

She completed her residency in family medicine at Carilion and Roanoke Memorial.

“Throughout her career, Dr. Rowell touched — and saved — the lives of countless patients, serving them and their families with compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment,” the statement said. “Beyond her clinical impact, she leaves an indelible mark on our teams.”

The hospital said Rowell’s influence on staff and colleagues was profound and that her death leaves “a heart-shaped void” in the hospital community.

The crash remains under investigation.

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