Men killed in fiery crash in Pierce County officially identified by medical examiner
Two men who were killed following a crash where both vehicles burst into flames in Pierce County two weeks ago have been officially identified.
Officials believe Jaziel Zepeda, 19, was driving his white BMW at a high speed going north on Canyon Road East in Summit View when he ran a red light on Aug. 14. Zepeda struck a Mercedes sedan that was making a left turn to go south on Canyon Road, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.
Both of their vehicles burst into flames and were completely engulfed.
Zepeda’s cause and manner of death is “pending,” according to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office in a news release. That is a temporary designation used when additional investigation, information and/or test results are required for certification.
The driver of the sedan was identified as 21-year-old Elijah Williams. His cause of death was determined to be blunt trauma, and his manner of death is listed as an accident, the release said.
Witnesses said they saw Zepeda’s BMW trying to race other cars further south on Canyon Road. A 911 caller said the vehicle was going 130 miles per hour, the release said.
Deputies said there were no marks on the roadway, indicating Zepeda showed no signs of braking, the department’s spokesman Sgt. Darren Moss told The News Tribune on Monday.
Williams was described as a kind, loving and compassionate man, according to a GoFundMe. The fundraiser was set up to help Williams’ family with funeral costs.
