Mars Candy Heiress Driver in Fatal Crash in Virginia

Written By Dusty Smith

The driver of a Porsche SUV that struck a minivan occupied by several Texas women in Aldie, Va. on Friday has been identified as Jacqueline Mars, one of the richest women in the world and a co-owner of Hackettstown-based Mars Inc., the world’s largest candy company.

One of the passengers from the minivan died in the accident, and prosecutors are reviewing the case to determine whether charges should be filed.

The Loudoun County (Va.) Sheriff’s Office confirmed the identity of the SUV driver, according to Leesburg Today and The Washington Post. A representative for Mars issued a statement.

“This tragedy has left Jacquie filled with sorrow for the loss of life and those who were injured in the accident,” Kent Jarrell said in a statement. “She would like to express her deepest condolences to the families involved.”

The accident occurred Friday around 2:30 p.m. as Jacqueline Mars drove her 2004 Porsche SUV west on Route 50 near Briar Patch Lane. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Mars’ SUV crossed the center line and struck a 2013 Chrysler minivan with six occupants heading east.

Irene C. Ellisor, 86, a passenger in the minivan from Huntsville, Texas, died at the scene. The minivan’s driver was reported in critical condition at Inova Fairfax Hospital earlier this week, according to the LCSO report, while a front-seat passenger with serious injuries was released.

Two other passengers in minivan were taken to Stone Springs Medical Center, while another was taken to the Cornwall Campus of Loudoun Inova Hospital. All minivan passengers were adult females, according to the LCSO.

Mars was taken to Stone Springs Medical Center and later transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital before being released. The case is awaiting review by the Commonwealth's Attorney’s Office.

Mars Inc. is the largest candy company in the world, according to Forbes magazine, with $33 billion in sales. Jacqueline Mars co-owns the company with two brothers, all of whom inherited it in 1999 when their father died, according to Forbes.

Jacqueline Mars is a trustee of U.S. Equestrian Team and on the board of directors of National Sporting Library and Fine Art Museum, according to Forbes.