Teen dies in rollover crash

Two others injured in accident near George

GEORGE — A 15-year-old Royal City boy died, following injuries sustained in a rollover near here Friday.

Benjamin Sandoval-Ramirez, 15, was ejected from the 1997 Cadillac Catera and airlifted to Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. According to the Grant County Sheriff's Office, he was pronounced dead at the hospital and efforts to revive him failed.

The driver, 31-year-old David M. Ramirez of Mattawa, was also flown to Central Washington Hospital with head injuries after he was extricated from the car by firefighters at the scene. David Ramirez was listed in stable condition Monday morning.

A second passenger in the car was also injured, and in serious but stable condition following the accident. Royal City resident Cristobal Sandoval, 18, was first transported to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake and later airlifted to Central Washington Hospital for serious head and internal injuries.

According to the GCSO, the accident occurred on Beverly Burke Road, SW, just south of Frenchman Hills Road SW just before 10 p.m. Friday. David Ramirez apparently lost control in a curve on the roadway and slammed into a dirt embankment before rolling to a stop.

David Ramirez was the only one in the vehicle wearing a seat belt in the crash, and investigating officers indicated to the GCSO that speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the accident.

— Staff report