The mother of a University Place woman who was killed in Thursday’s three-car collision in Federal Way shared her memories Saturday.
Marian Berry of Tacoma said her daughter, Jana Berry, played in the handbell choir at Mason United Methodist Church, had two cats and loved to read.
“The world lost 20 or 30 years that she had to give, because she was a beautiful person,” said Marian Berry.
The collision happened late Thursday along Pacific Highway South.
Federal Way police said a driver was northbound on Highway 99 with no headlights, then crossed the center line and crashed into Jana Berry’s white Honda. Her car went airborne, landed on its side and was hit in the driver’s side by a third car.
Marian Berry said she received a phone call Friday morning and turned on the news.
“I thought it was a hoax,” said Berry. “A 48-year-old woman, driving a Honda Civic. I knew it was my kid.”
The 32-year-old driver, whose license was suspended and who police suspect was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, had a 4-year-old son in the car.
“Choosing to drive drunk is stupid, a stupid thing to do,” said Berry. “She’s lucky her child is not hurt, killed.”
Berry said she wants justice for her daughter.
“I’m still angry at the person who made the mistake that caused this horrible thing to happen, and I hope she never gets a chance to make that mistake again and hurt somebody else,” Berry said.
As of Friday night, the driver was in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center. Police have said that when she is released, she will be booked into the King County Jail.
Her son is also being treated at Harborview and is being cared for by relatives.
KIRO-7 News