MESA, AZ – An 82-year-old woman who was killed in a fatal crash caused by an alleged impaired driver has since been identified as Ruth Acuña de Valenzuela, AZFamily said.
This comes as an update in connection with our previous reporting. The incident happened on U.S. 60. Javier Valenzuela told the source that Ruth and one of his cousins were driving when their vehicle got a flat tire, leaving them no choice but to pull over onto the shoulder.
Javier’s aunt and uncle arrived and pulled over onto the shoulder, offering to help change the flat tire. After putting on the spare tire, Javier’s aunt and uncle and Ruth were about to leave when they were struck by a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Zachary Robert Penrod.
Ruth unfortunately died from her injuries, while Javier’s aunt and uncle and his cousin were injured.
Javier’s cousin suffered a broken collarbone, and his aunt and uncle have undergone surgery.
Penrod was suspected of being impaired and is facing multiple felony charges such as reckless manslaughter and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
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