On October 7, 2012, at about 1:45 a.m., two vehicles were involved in a car accident heading eastbound on Gates Pass Road towards Speedway while drag racing. The people inside the vehicles had been with a group of friends who were drinking at one of the lookouts in Gates Pass.
The driver of the first vehicle was identified as William Pina. In the car with Mr. Pina were four additional friends identified as Lucero Leon, Dora Ramirez, Marymar Martinez-Duran, and Jose Collazo. The second vehicle was occupied only by the driver, Ricardo Sarmiento.
Mr. Sarmiento’s vehicle was traveling in excess of 80 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. Mr. Pina crossed the center yellow line, in a no passing zone, and was going around the other vehicle. The two vehicles did not collide with each other however; both ultimately lost control, crossed left of center and left the roadway. The vehicles traveled through several trees and other plant life before coming to a stop.
All three of the female passengers were transported to UMC where Ms. Martinez-Duran passed away from her injuries. The other two are listed in stable condition. The driver of the first vehicle, Mr. Pina, was booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Center on charges of Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, Endangerment, and DUI. Mr. Sarmiento has not been charged at this time. As this investigation continues there will be additional criminal charges