Fund raises thousands for family of fatal crash victims

Nearly $17,000 was raised as of 3:00 p.m. today for the family of David Vasquez, a Wenatchee High School English teacher who lost both his parents and his grandmother in a fatal car accident while they were traveling near the Tri-Cities. Two hundred and twenty-one people contributed to the fund over 23 hours.

“Honestly my initial reaction was just heartbreak,” English department head Molly Butler said. “Mr. Vasquez’s family is super important to him and he’s important to a lot of kids here. I’m just so sad on behalf of him and his family. I’ve noticed how much the high school staff cares about people and I was just really overwhelmed by the outpouring of people’s expressions of care and wanting to do something.”

The crash took place Tuesday shortly after 7 p.m. on Interstate 82, according to the Benton County Coroner’s Office. The collision claimed the lives of Artemio Vasquez-Perez, 54; his wife, Celia G. Vasquez, 50; and Adela L. Trujillo-Lopez, 71.

All three were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Four other parties were injured, including two other members of the Vasquez family, 14-year-old D’Andre Vasquez-Rodriguez and Pablo J. Rodriguez, 44. The pair are currently recovering at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. According to Butler, D’Andre’s situation is not life-threatening.

The family was riding in a 2003 Dodge Ram pickup when it was struck by a 2005 Chevy Suburban, according to the Tri-City Herald.

A fundraising effort was started on GoFundMe by Leslie Soto yesterday. The description of the fund reads: “Hello all, I set up this account to help a family in a time where it all seems like a nightmare. The Vazquez Family suffered an unimaginable loss yesterday. They lost their dad, mom and grandmother in a car accident. Their uncle and little brother are in the hospital. Let’s help this great family in their time of grief and relieve the stress of all they will endure in the next few weeks. Please keep this family in your prayers so God’s work can help heal their hearts and give them the strength they need. Thank you!”

Additionally, a Vasquez Family Fund was established at Cashmere Valley Bank and a basket for donations has been set up in the WHS counseling office as well the main office. Donations will taken to the ASB office each day.

For the link to the Vasquez family fund, go to : https://www.gofundme.com/z3e793vg