YCSO: Somerton woman dies after collision

A Somerton woman died following a collision that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, officials with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office say.

According to the YCSO news release, at approximately 2:16 a.m. they received a report of a vehicle collision in the desert area near W. County 19th ½ Street and S. Avenue D ½ Street in Somerton.

Officials with YCSO said the initial investigation revealed that a 2007, GMC Yukon was traveling northbound in the desert area when the driver lost control causing the vehicle to overturn once and come to a rest on its wheels.

The driver of the Yukon, the release showed, sustained injuries due to the collision and the passenger of the vehicle drove the driver to the 500 Block of West Main Street in Somerton where he was met by emergency responders.

The YCSO Office Critical Accident Response Team and Criminal Investigation Bureau responded to the scene and assumed the investigation, the release stated.

The driver of the Yukon was identified as 18-year-old Vanya Rodriguez Valtierra of Somerton. She was unresponsive on scene and succumbed to her injuries, the release shows.

The 16-year-old male passenger was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center.

Next of kin has been notified, the release stated.

The cause of the collision is currently under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact YCSO at 928-783-4427, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.yumacountysheriff.org.