Ten years ago, a harrowing incident on one of Hawaii's most dangerous roads left the world stunned. Anastasia Duval lost her life when the vehicle she was riding in plummeted 60 metres down a cliff on Maui's famed Road to Hana. Her identical twin sister, Alexandria, survived the crash and was later charged with second-degree murder. After a highly publicised trial, she was acquitted. Now, a decade later, the case remains a subject of fascination and debate.
The Day of the Crash
On May 29, 2016, the twins set out on the scenic but treacherous Hana Highway. Witnesses reported seeing the sisters arguing inside the Ford Explorer before it suddenly veered off the road, crashed through a rock wall, and plunged onto the jagged rocks below. Anastasia died instantly, while Alexandria sustained injuries but survived. Emergency crews used a helicopter to airlift her to hospital.
Who Were the Twins?
Born Alison and Ann Dadow in Utica, New York, in 1978, the twins were inseparable after their mother died when they were young. They changed their names to Alexandria and Anastasia Duval in 2014. Together, they ran successful yoga studios in Florida and later in Maui, but faced financial troubles and alcohol addiction. Friends described them as 'one person in two bodies,' with Alexandria being the dominant personality and Anastasia the gentle one.
The Trial and Verdict
In 2018, Alexandria faced a bench trial for second-degree murder. The prosecution argued she intentionally drove off the cliff, while the defence claimed it was a tragic accident caused by Anastasia pulling her sister's hair during a fight. Witnesses testified to seeing the twins fighting, with one saying Alexandria screamed, 'I need a psychiatrist!' The judge ruled the crash an accident, citing Anastasia's actions as the cause, and acquitted Alexandria.
Aftermath and Where She Is Now
Alexandria now lives a private life in Stamford, Connecticut. She broke her silence on the 'Dr. Phil' show in 2018, stating she remembers little of the crash and still feels her sister's presence. The case continues to intrigue, highlighting the complex bond between the twins and the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful day.
