Victims identified in Interstate 10 crash near Tonopah that left 4 people dead
PHOENIX - "It's something out of a movie. You would see it on the news, and think, that's unfortunate, but you never know the actual reality of it until you live it."
For Joey Kobold, words fall short of describing the grief of losing his older sister, Melinda Kobold – a person who loved her two sons fiercely.
"She did everything she could to make sure that her family was taken care of. Phenomenal mother."
And someone full of adventure.
"She loved to go outdoors. Every other weekend it was like, let’s go camping, let’s go to Crown King, let’s hop on the RZRs [ATVs], let’s take the boys out."
What we know:
Kobold is one of four people who died in a multi-car fiery crash in the Tonopah area on March 1.
On March 11, officials with the Arizona Department of Public Safety officially identified Kobold as one of the victims. The other victims were also identified: 41-year-old Norma Morales of Whittier, Calif. and 41-year-old Dustin Levi Cluff of Prescott Valley.
"Next of kin confirmation is still pending for the fourth victim," read a portion of the statement.
The backstory:
Joseph says Melinda and her boyfriend went up to the dunes for a trip over the weekend, but on the way home near Tonopah, tragedy struck. Their car was one of several involved in crash.
"It was just a complete freak incident. It could have happened to anybody."
Joey says both died in the collision.
"The best thing is to remember the best parts of them, and how they were, and not what happened."
Through broken hearts, he says his family is sending condolences to others involved, and are holding onto Melinda's legacy through her two sons, Jonathon and Jayson, ages 16 and 9.
"My main priority with everything is to put every ounce of focus and energy into making sure these boys are taken care of, and that they succeed, and understand that sometimes loss is tough, but with a team like we have, and the support we have behind us, that anything is possible to be able to overcome."
Crash on Interstate 10 in Tonopah leaves 4 people dead, cars stranded on eastbound lanes for hours
A crash in Tonopah that left four people dead closed Interstate 10 for much of the day on Saturday, March 1.
What's next:
The Department of Public Safety is still investigating the cause of the deadly pile-up, but troopers say wind and blowing dust in the area could be potential factors.
What you can do:
If you would like to donate to help support Melinda's sons, a fundraiser has been created: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-melinda-kobolds-sons-through-this-tragedy