Moses Lake teen dies in crash

MOSES LAKE — Cesar Zaragoza Fernandez, 18, Moses Lake, was killed in a collision on Road R Southeast near Moses Lake Saturday night.

Edgar N. Arriaga, 20, of Warden, was reportedly driving a 2001 Chevrolet K1 pickup truck on Road R Southeast, Grant County Undersheriff John Turley said. Arriaga allegedly missed a curve in the road, lost control and rolled the vehicle down a hill. The vehicle struck an embankment and came to a stop on South Frontage Road upside down.

Zaragoza Fernandez was ejected from the vehicle. He was sitting in a rear seat on the right side of the truck.

A female witness attempted to resuscitate Zaragoza Fernandez, Turley said. She advised she was unable to get a clear airway. Zaragoza Fernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Arriaga and three other passengers were awake and walking after the wreck, he said.

Arriaga and passengers Jorge Antonio Escobedo, 20, Warden, Fernando Camacho, 18, Warden, and a 15-year-old Warden male were transported to Samaritan Healthcare for treatment.

Excessive speed and alcohol are suspected in the crash, Turley said. The crash is being investigated as a vehicular homicide. Law enforcement are waiting for the results of blood drawn from Arriaga.

Arriaga has a suspended license and a warrant concerning driving with a suspended license in the third degree, according to Turley.

The incident remains under investigation and formal charges have not yet been filed.

He was not immediately taken into custody because he needed medical treatment stemming from the collision, he said.