Wrong-way crash with suspected DUI driver claims life of graduating high school senior
CAMAS, Wash. (KPTV/Gray News) - A driver is facing multiple charges following a deadly wrong-way crash on State Route 14 late Monday night.
According to the Washington State Patrol, the crash occurred just before 11 p.m. near exit 14 in Camas. Troopers say a Mercedes was traveling in the wrong direction when it collided head-on with another vehicle, killing one person and seriously injuring two others.
The victim killed in the crash was identified as Michael O’Brien, 18, of Portland, Oregon. He was a senior at Roosevelt High School.
In a letter to the school community, Roosevelt High School Principal KD Parman confirmed that the two other victims, Jack Craig and Will Rinehart, both seniors, were hospitalized and in stable condition.
Ayden Unruh, a witness, said he saw the wrong-way driver, later identified as Erik Moya, 23, of Vancouver. Unruh said he attempted to warn oncoming drivers by following the Mercedes on the opposite side of the median, using his horn and hazard lights.
The Washington State Patrol said it received at least 10 calls to 911 before the crash. Unruh said he stayed on the phone with dispatchers for about 10 minutes.
“They told me they didn’t have anyone available and were tied up with other calls, so they didn’t have anyone to send at the moment,” Unruh said. “But they were working on it.”
A spokesperson for the department said a trooper responded immediately after the crash, coming from milepost 16 on Interstate 5. Two other units were handling separate calls when the incident was first reported.
Moya is suspected of driving under the influence. He was booked into the Clark County Jail on charges of vehicular homicide and two counts of vehicular assault.
“It could have easily been prevented,” Unruh said. “They shouldn’t have had to lose their son over this.”
O’Brien, known as “Mico” to friends and family, was just days away from receiving his high school diploma.
“He was a shining light and we are all heartbroken. His family and friends called him Mico. He had a very gentle, kind spirit and will be greatly missed,” O’Brien’s grandfather, Norman, shared in a family statement.
An online fundraiser has been created to help the family with funeral and memorial expenses.
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