Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : New Information Released in Tragic Wrong-Way Crash on U.S. 95 in Nevada
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nevada State Police Highway Patrol has provided new details regarding a devastating wrong-way driver crash that claimed the lives of two adults and a three-year-old child on Saturday. The incident occurred on the U.S. 95 near the northbound Durango Drive off-ramp.
According to NSP, a Kia Soul and GMC Acadia were traveling northbound on the U.S. 95 when a Chrysler PT Cruiser entered the wrong way in a northbound lane. The PT Cruiser collided with the GMC Acadia, causing it to rotate before crashing into the Kia Soul. Subsequently, the PT Cruiser overturned and veered onto the left shoulder, striking two parked vehicles.
The PT Cruiser eventually came to rest on its side on the left shoulder, as reported by NSP. Sadly, the driver of the PT Cruiser, Antonia Marie Apton, a 50-year-old resident of Bullhead City, Arizona, was pronounced dead at the scene. Similarly, the driver of the GMC Acadia, identified as 63-year-old Karen Foote from Sparks, also succumbed to her injuries.
Tragically, the young passenger in the Kia Soul, three-year-old Jaya Brooks, lost her life in the incident. She was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead on December 11. Jaya’s family has expressed heartbreak and devastation over the loss of their beloved child.
This recent crash marks the 69th fatal incident in the NSP-Southern Command’s jurisdiction for the year 2023, resulting in a total of 86 fatalities. The community mourns the loss of these innocent lives and calls for increased vigilance on the roads to prevent further tragedies.
The exact cause of the wrong-way driving remains under investigation, and authorities are working diligently to determine if alcohol, drugs, or any other factors contributed to the accident. The NSP is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in their ongoing efforts.
As the investigation continues, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible and attentive driving. The NSP and local law enforcement agencies are committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and will continue their efforts to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.