Ruth Acuña de Valenzuela, 82, was killed early Wednesday morning after a collision on U.S. 60 in Mesa, Arizona.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the crash happened at approximately 1 a.m. on September 16 in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 60 near Higley Road.
Ruth and her family had reportedly been returning home after dinner when a flat tire forced one of their vehicles to stop on the right emergency shoulder. Relatives arrived to help change the tire.
After the tire was changed, the family was preparing to leave when another vehicle struck both vehicles stopped on the shoulder.
Ruth was killed in the collision. Two of her relatives were seriously injured and taken to a hospital for treatment. Other people involved in the crash also suffered injuries.
Authorities identified the driver of the vehicle that struck the family vehicles as 21-year-old Zachary Robert Penrod of Queen Creek.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said Penrod showed signs of impairment following the crash. He was arrested and booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Jail on charges including manslaughter, aggravated assault, and endangerment. The charges are allegations, and the case remains under investigation.
Ruth's death has left her family mourning a grandmother who was on her way home after spending time with loved ones.
Her family members are also facing a difficult recovery following the crash, with relatives reporting serious injuries and multiple surgeries.
As the investigation continues, those who knew Ruth are remembering her life and the time she shared with her family.
