Following Too Close . . .

The 27-year-old former star of the TV comedy "Moesha" was not injured, but the driver of the car she rear-ended with her Land Rover in the December 30 crash died, according to the California Highway Patrol. The victim was identified as Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, a married mother of one, said CHP spokesman Leland Tang.

No charges or arrests have been made in connection with the accident, and no formal determination has been made as to what caused the crash.

A statement issued by Brandy's publicist said: "She wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased" and asks the media to "respect the privacy of everyone involved at this time." The singer-actress, whose full name is Brandy Norwood, was alone in her vehicle and no alcohol or drugs were involved, Tang said.

A Statement From Brandy's Publicist:

"Brandy was involved in a car accident December 30, 2006 in Los Angeles where there was a fatality. She wished to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased. Brandy asks that you respect the privacy of everyone involved at this time."

Brandy told officers she was driving at about 65 miles per hour before the crash occurred. "We've impounded all four vehicles, and the outcome of the mechanical inspection is coming to us today or tomorrow," Tang said. "Barring any mechanical difficulties on Brandy's part ... then there's the very high probability that she is the party most at fault or the contributing party."

DD Note . . . I've been doing accident investigation and reconstruction long enough to tell you all . . . this is a preventable accident (insufficient following distance).