Deadly Crash On Highway 97 Under Investigation

A fatal crash occurred Friday afternoon at 2:32 p.m. about three miles north of Riverside, on Highway 97 in Okanogan County. A two car crash sent two people to the hospital, and left one person dead.

Thirty eight year old Gabbriella Garcia Harrison lost control of her 2014 Chevrolet Camaro as she was traveling south on Highway 97. She crossed the center line, striking 37 year old Joshua Brown, who was traveling northbound, driving a 2015 GMC Sierra.

Washington State Patrol Public Information Officer Trooper Jeremy Weber says Brown attempted to avoid the collision by steering to the right. "The Camaro lost control and crossed over the center line, and struck the GMC," he said. "The GMC tried to move over to the right shoulder, but not quite enough, and the two vehicles collided." Brown was wearing his seatbelt, and was transported to Mid Valley Hospital for his injuries.

Weber noted that slick road conditions may have contributed to the accident. "According to witnesses it was raining, and the road was wet." Harrison's passenger, 24 year old Lorena Martinez Gonzales was pronounced dead at the scene. Harrison and Gonzales were not wearing their seatbelts.

Harrison was transported to Mid Valley Hospital, then airlifted to Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, charges are pending. Highway 97 was closed to traffic with no detour for over 3 hours. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were involved.