**Tragedy Strikes Family in Arizona as Grandmother Killed in DUI Crash**
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In a heartbreaking incident that has rocked a family in Mesa, Arizona, an 82-year-old grandmother, Ruth Acuña de Valenzuela, lost her life when a suspected drunk driver collided with her family’s vehicles while they changed a tyre on the side of the freeway. The tragic accident occurred early on 16 September, around 1 a.m., on U.S. Route 60, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS).
Authorities reported that the incident unfolded after Ruth and her relatives, having pulled over on the right emergency shoulder to address a flat tyre, were preparing to leave when they were struck by a third vehicle. The preliminary investigation indicates that the family had completed the tyre change and were about to return to their journey when 21-year-old Zachary Robert Penrod allegedly crashed into the two cars.
Ruth’s death has left her family in shock. A relative conveyed that she had previously expressed awareness of her advancing age and the inevitability of her time nearing. “She had been saying she knew she was getting old, her time was coming soon,” the family member revealed. Yet, no one could have predicted the abrupt and tragic nature of her demise.
The collision resulted in Ruth’s immediate death at the scene, while two other family members sustained serious injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. These relatives, who remain unnamed, have reportedly undergone several surgeries due to the extent of their injuries, and one family member—a cousin—suffered a broken collarbone while trying to assist his injured kin after the collision.
Penrod, identified as the driver responsible for the fatal incident, was apprehended at the scene and subsequently booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Jail. He faces multiple charges, including one count of manslaughter, two counts of aggravated assault, and one count of endangerment. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing, but initial reports indicate that Penrod was under the influence at the time of the collision.
Javier Valenzuela, a cousin of Ruth, recounted the events leading up to the tragedy. He explained that the family had been returning home from dinner when they experienced the flat tyre. Upon stopping to make the repair, the family was keen to ensure that Ruth, who often accompanied her cousin, was safely returned home.
“My cousin was really close to her; he was always taking her everywhere,” Javier remarked. After the accident, he disclosed that his cousin was left traumatized by the whole ordeal, having witnessed the aftermath of the collision as he rushed to check on his injured family members.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for Ruth, with her daughter, Alma Rosa Valenzuela, sharing an emotional message on Facebook. “My God, you have left me devastated,” she wrote. “Now who am I going to call? I will always love and remember you with all my love… rest in peace, mother.” Her heartfelt words encapsulate the deep sense of loss experienced by the family.
In light of this tragic event, Javier has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support the family during this challenging time. In the campaign description, he wrote, “In an instant, our world changed completely,” underlining the profound impact of the collision on the family’s life.
The unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving, highlighting the devastating consequences it can inflict on innocent lives. As the investigation continues, the family seeks to navigate through their grief while also hoping for the recovery of the injured members.
As the community comes together to mourn Ruth’s passing, the focus now shifts to raising awareness about road safety and the responsible consumption of alcohol to prevent further tragedies like this one.