George crash victims drowned in vehicle
A tow truck takes away two SUVs from a collision Sunday near George. A family of four died in the crash.
GEORGE - Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison determined the Stanwood family drowned Sunday when their vehicle plunged into an irrigation canal in George.
According to Morrison, who completed the autopsies Tuesday, the crash is being ruled an accident. Alcohol or drugs are not believed to be a factor.
A preliminary investigation determined the driver of a 2011 Kia Sportage, Athena T. Green, 27, of Edmonds, allegedly failed to yield at the intersection of Road 1 Northwest and Beverly Burke Road about 8 a.m. Sunday. The crash claimed the lives of Dioselina Buenrostro, Gabriel Ochoa and their daughters, Jessie and Sandra Ochoa.
According to the sheriff's office, Green was facing south at a stop sign on Road 1 Northwest. The other vehicle, a 2003 Chevy Tahoe driven by Gabriel Ochoa, was heading north on Beverly Burke Road.
As the Tahoe approached the intersection, Green allegedly failed to yield at the stop sign and pulled out onto Beverly Burke Road, causing the Tahoe to rear-end her vehicle, according to the sheriff's office.
Green's vehicle came to rest on the east shoulder of Beverly Burke and she suffered minor injuries.
The Tahoe continued north, crossing the southbound lane and striking a guardrail along the canal bridge. The vehicle continued into the irrigation canal on the west side of the bridge and was submerged, floating about 100 yards under the bridge and stopping, according to the sheriff's office.
The family of four was unable to escape from the vehicle.
The Buenrostro-Ochoa family was reportedly heading to Quincy to visit family.
Any criminal charges against Green will be determined by the Grant County prosecutor.