- Jessie Uch’s accident has given rise to feelings of heartbreak, sadness, and devastation.
- The 17-year-old girl lost her precious life to a DUI car crash on March 4th, Saturday.
- Uch’s boyfriend was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Jessie Uch’s accident has given rise to feelings of heartbreak, sadness, and devastation. The 17-year-old girl lost her precious life to a DUI car crash on March 4th, Saturday.
The deceased teenager was in the passenger seat of a car driven by her 18-year-old boyfriend.
According to Thurston County Sheriff’s deputies, Uch’s boyfriend was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Authorities say the teen was driving northbound near Rainier Rd SE and 138th Ave SE around 5:45 p.m. when he lost control at a curve and swerved over the oncoming lane.
Another car driving south was caught off guard by the teen’s sudden deviation from their route and struck them on the passenger side. The impact was so severe that it killed Jessie on the spot.
The authorities have not yet released the teen driver’s details. He was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital, then transferred to Harborview to treat serious injuries he acquired from the accident.
Thankfully, the driver in the other car, a 24-year-old woman, was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Candi Shelton, a friend of the deceased, said she had known Jessie since the two of them were just 4-year-olds.
Jessie was on her way to meet and have dinner with Shelton when the unexpected tragedy occurred.
While remembering Jessie, Shelton said, “She was just always polite and caring, one could just tell she had a heart full of love, and she always wanted to share that. She still had so much life, and it’s hard to think she’s not here anymore.”
The 17-year-old was a senior and cheerleader at Rainier High School. The students and staff at the school are mourning Jessie’s death and sending condolences to her family.
Jessie’s sudden demise has profoundly impacted her friends and family, and they believe that her tragic death has caused an irreplaceable loss.
Rainer School District Superintendent Bryon Bahr says they will offer counseling services to students and staff to help them cope with the tragedy.
Deputies say Jessie’s boyfriend smelled of alcohol. He was taken in for driving under the influence and will face vehicular homicide and assault charges.
To remember Jessie and her incredible aura, a vigil was held in the school’s gymnasium on Tuesday.
This incident serves as a reminder for all of us to exercise extreme caution when behind the wheel. Remembering that a small mistake can cause fatal injuries when one is on the road is crucial.