Victim Identified in Fatal McLean Car Crash

McLean resident Cheri Cusumano died Tuesday after her minivan swerved on a wet road in McLean, hit a tree and caught fire, the dental practice where she worked confirmed on Thursday.

Cusumano, 52, was driving a 2011 Toyota Sienna heading eastbound on Lewinsville Road in McLean at about 12:18 p.m. Tuesday when she lost control of the car and hit a tree. The minivan caught fire. Police found Cusumano "trapped inside the charred vehicle," according to a police report.

Because of the nature of the victim's burns, Fairfax County Police will not confirm her identity until the results of an autopsy are released, said Lucy Caldwell, a spokeswoman for the department.

The weather and the wet road conditions may have played a part in the crash, authorities told media earlier this week. Other contributing factors are still being investigated, according to a police press release.

Cusumano worked as a dental hygienist at her husband Joseph's dental practice, Cusumano and Stuver, in Arlington, according to the practice's website.

She "is a graduate of West Virginia Univeristy and one of our most experienced hygienists. She teaches pilates, enjoys traveling and loves spending time with her family and friends," according to the Cusumano and Stuver website. 

"She was one of the most positive and caring people I have ever met," said Greg Scarbo, a lifelong friend who grew up with Cusumano in Oak Hill, W.V. They both graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1978. "She loved to laugh and always showed sincerity and kindness to others. Everybody loved Cheri no matter where she went or who she was with. She was a special person".

Cusumano is survived by her husband and three children, Michael, John and Laura.

The family is expected to release a statement later Thursday afternoon.

The viewing has been scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Luke Catholic Church in McLean.

Memorial donations can be made to  www.cheriscusumanofoundationforchildren.org