U.S. Marine from Navajo Nation among Arizonans killed in Washington crash
TACOMA, Wash. - A crash in Washington state killed six people and injured three others on Sunday, July 16, and all of those who died were from Arizona.
Washington State Patrol says a white BMW hit a Gray Kia in Tacoma, causing the Kia to roll and burst into flames. At least five of the Kia passengers were identified as Arizona residents.
Three were from Phoenix, one was from Tuba City and another was from Kayenta on the Navajo Nation.
A victim is in critical condition and two others are hospitalized but are stable.
Investigators say one of the cars was speeding and ran a red light, but they're still trying to determine which car caused the crash.
"We understand that we have a job to do to support the families that are involved. We want to make sure we do a thorough and complete report for them so they know and understand why it is that a family member of theirs is deceased today," authorities said.
21-year-old Anthony Peña of Phoenix was a passenger in the Kia.
Navajo man, U.S. Marine killed
Erick Tsosie was a U.S. Marine from the Navajo Nation. His family says the last time they saw him was in Phoenix.
"My son Erick, I will love him forever," said Rita Tsosie, his mother.
After dinner, he had planned to see a movie, but with a long drive back home, they decided not to stay.
Now, they wish they had.
His parents and his sisters never thought they'd be forced to bury his body. With the emotional pain, they also now bear the financial burden of getting his body back home to the Navajo Nation.
"He's a couple of years younger than me, and I didn't think he would be the first to go in our family," said his sister Jennifer.
His sisters created a GoFundMe page to help bring him back one final time. They hope saying his name will keep his memory alive.
"He left big shoes for us to fill, and I know he would want us to go one step higher than him, just to honor him," said another sister.
Rest in peace, Javan Runnels
Another victim is 22-year-old Javan Runnels.
His mother Lisa Campbell is trying to bring her son's body back home after she says he was in Washington for a work convention.
She's coming to terms with something no parent ever dreams of.
"I just miss my son, but I've been trying to wrap my head around it, and I've been trying to figure out why. But I think because he had so much to give and there were so many people he wanted to give to, that I think he was too big for the Earth," she said.
His uncle is of course hurting, too.
"It's not real, it can't be him. He's so strong. He's so full of life. Like, there's no way I see his candle being extinguished that way," he said.
Campbell says her son was away for the convention with his 19-year-old girlfriend who didn't survive the crash either.
Javan's mother first heard about the crash from the news. She says she had to call the medical examiner's office to see if her son was involved in the crash.
"I had to tell them about his tattoo on his arm that said ‘Arizona.’ And then I was talking to the nurse manager, and she put me on hold and then came back and said that there was a tattoo on his arm," Campbell said.
His family is remembering him for his many talents, including getting signed to the Arizona Rattlers.
"He's just like the perfect soul, so smart, articulate, professional, and he played football and that's where his heart was. He put his heart into everything," she said.
His aunt seconds how great he was.
"He was bright, very bright in all aspects, smart, funny, handsome, just an amazing person," she said.
You can donate to Javan's GoFundMe here.
The names of the other victims have not been released.