18-year-old Somerton girl dies after car collision

An 18-year-old Somerton girl died in a crash after losing control of the vehicle early Saturday morning.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office received reports around 2:16 a.m. near the desert area of W. County 19 1/2 Street and S. Avenue D 1/2 Street.

A 2007 GMC Yukon was traveling northbound in the desert area when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn once and come to a rest on its wheels, according to YCSO.

The driver suffered injuries due to the collision. The passenger of the Yukon then drove the driver to the 500 block of West Main Street where he was met with emergency responders, police said.

YCSO Alfonso Zavala said, “The 16-year-old was able to take control where he was able to drive the vehicle into Somerton where emergency personnel met up with him.”

The driver of the Yukon, 18-year-old Vanya Rodriguez Valtierra, was unresponsive and died from her injuries.

The 16-year-old male passenger was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center.

Next of kin notification has been made.

When it comes to the county roads, Zavala said they’ve responded to numerous accidents especially at night.

“It’s off-road, so you go to know the area so keep your speed down.”

The cause of the collision is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case, please contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. You can also visit our website at www.yumacountysheriff.org to submit an anonymous tip.