Somerton woman hurt in crash dies of injuries

Elwood was injured in a two-vehicle collision Tuesday

The woman who was transported by Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department ambulance to the Yuma Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries following a two-car collision on Tuesday was pronounced dead, according to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office.

The woman, who was unresponsive at the scene and had to be extricated from her vehicle, has been identified as 55-yearold Belinda Elwood of Somerton. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

According to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 3:59 p.m. Tuesday deputies responded to a report of a two-vehicle head-on collision in the 14300 block of South Somerton Avenue.

The initial investigation into the crash revealed that a tan, 2001 Toyota Camry was traveling southbound on Somerton Avenue, and a 2000 Ford Ranger pickup was traveling northbound.

The passenger side rear tire of the pickup sustained a blow out causing the driver of the vehicle to lose control and cross over into oncoming traffic. The Camry was struck by the Ranger.

The driver of the Ford Ranger pickup, identified as 19-yearold Manuel Motter Jr., and the passenger were not complaining of any injuries but were both transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.

Elwood, the driver of the Camry, was treated on scene by SCFD paramedics with advanced cardiac life support skills but was later pronounced deceased at Yuma Regional Medical Center.

Traffic control during the accident was provided by the Somerton Police Department.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call YCSO at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@ yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.