On March 22nd, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a fatal head-on collision on Williamson Valley Road. Investigators have now found that the driver of the Toyota 4Runner, Jesse Foreman, veered nearly three-quarters of the way into oncoming traffic, crossing over the double center lines. The posted speed limit in the area where the collision occurred is 50 mph. Data recovered from the vehicles shows that the Toyota 4Runner was traveling at 70.8 mph five seconds before the crash and was estimated to be going between 60 and 70 mph at the moment of impact. In comparison, the Jeep Wrangler involved in the crash was traveling between 52 and 54 mph.
Based on witness statements and evidence from the scene, investigators believe that impairment may have contributed to the incident. YCSO is awaiting toxicology reports from the Medical Examiner’s Office, which should be available in the coming weeks.
Thankfully, the driver of the Jeep was able to quickly maneuver, potentially reducing the severity of the crash and preventing further injuries or loss of life.