Jacqueline Badger Mars, billionaire co-owner of M&M's maker, charged in Va. fatal crash
(CBS/AP) ALDIE, Va. - Jacqueline Badger Mars, an owner of McLean-based candy company Mars Inc., will face a reckless driving misdemeanor charge for her role in a fatal crash, says the Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney's Office.
The office says Mars was served Tuesday with a summons. According to the sheriff, Mars was driving a Porsche SUV in Aldie on Oct. 4 when it crossed the center line and hit a minivan. The sheriff's office says 86-year-old minivan passenger Irene Ellisor of Huntsville, Texas, died at the scene.
According to Bloomberg.com, 74-year-old Mars has a net worth of $23.2 billion, which makes her the 27th richest person in the world.
Most of her fortune reportedly comes from owning one-third of Mars Inc., the world's second-largest candy maker. The company owns brands like Snickers, Milky Way and M&M's.
Mars is set to appear in court on Dec. 5.
A personal spokesman says Mars "regrets this tragic accident" and her thoughts and prayers are with those who suffered injury and loss.
