From Valleynewslive · · 40s
Grandmother dies in freeway crash
Grandmother killed, family injured after tire change crash.
In brief
Grandmother killed, family injured after tire change crash. 82-year-old grandmother Ruth Acuña de Valenzuela died when impaired driver Zachary Robert Penrod hit her vehicle on Arizona freeway. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Crash happens
Grandmother and family members changed tire on freeway shoulder.
“They were really close, so he was always taking her everywhere”
Family helps
Aunt and uncle offer to drive grandmother home.
“We’ll take your grandma home, because you’re on a spare, just go straight home”
Impaired driver
21-year-old driver showed signs of impairment.
“He showed signs of impairment and was taken into custody”
Crash impact
Grandmother killed in first impact.
“She had been saying she knew she was getting old, her time was coming soon”
Family injuries
Aunt and uncle need surgeries, cousin has broken collarbone.
“He’s traumatized; how could you not be?”
What happens next
Penrod faces felony charges, family sets up GoFundMe.
“It’s not fair”
What to remember
82-year-old grandmother Ruth Acuña de Valenzuela died when impaired driver Zachary Robert Penrod hit her vehicle on Arizona freeway.
