Jessica R. Zarate, a 37-year-old woman from Connell, Washington, was killed in a three-vehicle crash near Mesa after a chain of collisions sent her Chevrolet Malibu into the path of an oncoming car. Four other people, including two children, were injured in the November 10 accident, leaving several families dealing with the aftermath of a devastating evening on the highway.
The collision happened around 6:40 p.m. near the intersection of State Route 17 and Booker Road, approximately 11 miles north of Mesa in Franklin County. Washington State Patrol troopers responded to the scene after receiving reports of a serious crash involving three vehicles.
According to the investigation, Zarate was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu southbound on Booker Road when a 2015 Toyota Tundra struck her vehicle from behind. The pickup truck was driven by John Daniel Reiss, a 61-year-old man from Kennewick, according to local news coverage.
The impact sent Zarate’s Malibu into the path of a 2004 Nissan Sentra traveling northbound on State Route 17. The Nissan, driven by 28-year-old Edgar Garcia Quirino of Othello, then collided with the Malibu, turning the crash into a deadly three-vehicle wreck.
Zarate suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. There was no opportunity to take her to a hospital. Her death left her family and loved ones facing the painful loss of a woman whose life ended in a matter of moments.
Three passengers traveling in Zarate’s Malibu were injured. Their identities have not been publicly released. The injured passengers, including two children, were taken to Othello Community Hospital for medical treatment. Garcia Quirino also suffered injuries and was transported to the same hospital.
Reiss was not injured in the crash. Authorities reported that drugs or alcohol may have played a role in the collision. Local news coverage also reported that he was booked into jail on a vehicular homicide charge. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remained a key part of the authorities’ work.
For Zarate’s loved ones, the news was about much more than damaged vehicles and an investigation. A family member, friend and familiar face was suddenly gone. The other injured occupants also faced the difficult task of recovering from an accident that took a life and left several people hurt.
The crash serves as a painful reminder of how quickly an ordinary drive can turn into a family tragedy. Zarate was just 37, and her death has left loved ones with memories of a life that ended far too early.