A 44-year-old Oak Harbor woman died after she lost control of her vehicle while using the slow lane to pass another driver on Highway 20 near Coupeville on Wednesday, the Washington State Patrol reported.

Joey Glendenning was southbound on Highway 20 near Winterhawk Lane when she lost control of her car while trying to merge back into the main lane from the slow lane, according to Washington State Patrol’s press memo. She used the lane to pass a slower vehicle.

Her 2008 Kia Sorento SUV crossed the center line and struck a 2009 Chevy Silverado head-on, injuring two Sequim residents. The 16-year-old driver and his passenger, 46-year-old Robert Cummins, were transported to WhidbeyHealth Medical Center for treatment.

Glendenning’s car landed on its driver’s side in the southbound lane. First responders transported her to WhidbeyHealth, where she later died from her injuries.

Glendenning’s 18-year-old passenger, Lacy McCraw-Shirron of Oak Harbor, was not injured, the State Patrol reported.

The accident occurred just after 11:20 a.m. All were wearing seat belts.

Both Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue and North Whidbey Fire and Rescue responded to the call.

Occupants from both cars required extrication, Central Whidbey Fire Chief Ed Hartin said. A LifeFlight Network helicopter responded to the sene, but it wasn’t used to take any patients to the hospital.

The cause of the accident was excessive speed and it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor, according to the state patrol.

Drivers were detoured to Madrona Way for several hours while the road was closed. Washington State Department of Transportation reported the road was cleared by 2:47 p.m.