Dodge minivan struck a GMC Sierra during a U-turn attempt near Interstate 5 interchange
November 27, 2025 | Chehalis, WA
A tragic collision on State Route 12 claimed the life of 95-year-old Dorothy Vandiest, a passenger in a Dodge Grand Caravan, when it struck a GMC Sierra making a U-turn.
The incident occurred east of the Interstate 5 interchange around 4:45 p.m. on Thanksgiving. The Washington State Patrol reports that the GMC Sierra's driver, 55-year-old Remigio Corona Quintero of Centralia, faces charges of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence.
Dorothy Vandiest, 95, of Chehalis died when the Dodge Grand Caravan she rode in hit a GMC Sierra attempting a U-turn on State Route 12.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Dodge Grand Caravan, traveling westbound on State Route 12, collided with the GMC Sierra that was attempting a U-turn. Vandiest, a Chehalis resident, sustained fatal injuries in the crash and passed away at the scene.
- Victim: Dorothy Vandiest, 95, passenger in the Dodge Grand Caravan
- Driver Charged: Remigio Corona Quintero, 55, of Centralia, operating the GMC Sierra
- Time: Approximately 4:45 p.m.
- Location: East of the Interstate 5 interchange on State Route 12
- Agency Involved: Washington State Patrol
- Charges: Vehicular homicide and DUI
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Impairment played a significant role in this crash, as confirmed by state troopers. Drunk driving remains a leading cause of fatal accidents nationwide, contributing to thousands of deaths annually.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving accounts for a substantial portion of roadway fatalities. The following table summarizes key DUI-related statistics:
Statistic |
Details |
Source |
|---|
Daily DUI Fatalities |
Nearly 30 people die each day in the U.S. from drunk-driving crashes |
NHTSA |
Frequency |
One death every 50 minutes |
NHTSA |
Annual Total |
More than 10,000 deaths per year |
NHTSA |
Impairment Rate |
About one-third of all traffic-related deaths involve alcohol |
CDC |
An ongoing investigation will examine additional factors, such as Quintero's blood-alcohol content, to fully understand the circumstances.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on incidents involving impaired driving and their broader implications.
“In cases such as this, separate from any criminal charges, affected families may pursue compensation through civil action against the at-fault party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Beyond law enforcement efforts, legal representation can involve re-interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and securing relevant records like phone data. This support helps families navigate their rights while ensuring accountability for impaired drivers.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Civil lawsuits can cover medical costs, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.
- Independent investigations often reveal overlooked evidence in motor vehicle crashes.
- Holding impaired drivers accountable requires thorough documentation and experienced guidance.
“A wrongful death occurs when negligence or recklessness, such as driving under the influence, leads to a fatality,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Families impacted by unsafe road behaviors, including DUI, typically have grounds to seek civil remedies against the responsible individual.”
What Options Exist for Families After a Fatal Crash?
Pending investigation outcomes, Vandiest's family may qualify for a wrongful death claim. Such claims address losses from negligent acts causing death, particularly in scenarios involving impaired or reckless driving.
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Tags: DUI crash Chehalis, vehicular homicide Washington, State Route 12 accident, fatal minivan collision, impaired driving fatality, wrongful death claim, NHTSA statistics
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).