An 18-year-old motorist has been charged with vehicular homicide after a catastrophic crash resulted in the deaths of a Washington state mother and three children she was transporting from a homeschooling event.
According to police, Chase Daniel Jones was driving his Audi A4 at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour when he collided with a minivan in Fairwood, King County, instantly killing 38-year-old Andrea Hudson and three children.
The victims were identified as Boyd Buster Brown, 12, and sisters Matilda and Eloise Wilcoxson, aged 13 and 12, respectively. The collision, which occurred on Tuesday, March 19, forced Hudson’s vehicle into two other cars on the road. Two of Hudson’s own children, also in the minivan, have been hospitalized and remain in intensive care with serious injuries.
Jones, who sustained severe injuries in the crash, is accused of gross negligence for allegedly running a red light at the intersection where the incident occurred.
Investigation reports indicate that Jones reached speeds of up to 112 mph in a zone where the speed limit is 40 mph, showing no signs of braking before the impact.
Witnesses corroborated the recklessness of Jones’ actions, noting his dangerous weaving through traffic just moments before the collision.
This was not Jones’ first involvement in high-speed accidents. King County prosecutors revealed that Jones had previously totaled two other vehicles in accidents attributed to speeding within a year before this fatal incident.
Jones faces charges including four counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of vehicular assault, and reckless driving and is currently held on a $1M bond. In Washington state, such charges could result in significant prison time, reflecting the severity of the consequences for such reckless actions on the road.
In response to the incident, the community has rallied to remember the victims. The Wilcoxson sisters were celebrated for being “a true light to everyone around them,” as described on a GoFundMe page dedicated to the family. Their involvement in their church, school, and neighborhood, as well as their roles as loving sisters, were highlighted.
Boyd Buster Brown was remembered by his father, Jaron Brown, as “one of the most fun-loving, adventurous kids,” a sentiment echoed by many who knew him.
Andrea Hudson, who homeschooled her children, was remembered for her devotion to her family, her passion for nature, and her health-conscious lifestyle. The loss of these lives has left an indelible mark on the community, drawing attention to the devastating impact of reckless driving.