# Grandmother dies in freeway crash

> Grandmother killed, family injured after tire change crash.
- Title: Grandmother dies in freeway crash · Valleynewslive | Shortify
- Summary: Grandmother killed, family injured after tire change crash. 82-year-old grandmother Ruth Acuña de Valenzuela died when impaired driver Zachary Robert Penrod…
- Keywords: ruth acuña de valenzuela, zachary robert penrod, us 60, higley road, banner desert medical center, gofundme, news, local, Grandmother, dies, freeway, crash
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/20/grandmother-killed-family-members-injured-after-crash-while-changing-tire-freeway
- Published: 2026-09-20T23:54:15.911+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ruth acuña de valenzuela, zachary robert penrod, us 60, higley road, banner desert medical center, gofundme, news, local
## 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
## Key takeaway

82-year-old grandmother Ruth Acuña de Valenzuela died when impaired driver Zachary Robert Penrod hit her vehicle on Arizona freeway.