Thurston Coroner identifies Yelm teen who died in Tuesday’s SR 510 crash
The 16-year-old Yelm girl who died in a SUV crash on State Route 510 on Tuesday has been identified.
Natalia A. Ortiz died from blunt force trauma of the head and torso, Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock told The Olympian.
Martin Ortiz set up a GoFundMe for Natalia Ortiz on Wednesday. As of Thursday, at least 127 people had donated a total of $12,158.
The fundraiser says Ortiz expected to graduate from Yelm High School in 2024. Funds will be used to pay for funeral expenses and any other related costs.
“She would always speak about her future and smile no matter the occasion,” Martin Ortiz wrote on the GoFundMe page. “As a 16-year-old girl, she had so much life ahead of her. She had a positive look on life.”
Martin Ortiz did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Washington State Patrol responded to the crash at about 9:55 p.m. near 15th Avenue Southeast, The Olympian previously reported. Trooper Robert Reyer said it appeared the SUV veered off the eastbound lane, striking a tree and telephone pole.
Ortiz rode in the front right passenger seat and died at the scene, Reyer said. The driver, a 17-year-old Yelm girl, and another passenger, an 18-year-old Yelm woman, suffered injuries. First responders transported both to Providence St. Peter Hospital for treatment.
Troopers suspect the driver may have been distracted when she veered off the road, Reyer said. If that’s true, he said she may face a vehicular homicide charge.
No other vehicles or people were involved in the collision, Reyer said.
