An 18-year-old driver, Chase Daniel Jones, is now facing charges of vehicular homicide following a devastating collision in Renton, Washington, a Seattle suburb. The high-speed crash resulted in the death of a mother and three children she was transporting from a homeschooling event.
Police reports indicate that Jones was driving his Audi A4 at speeds over 100 miles per hour when he crashed into a minivan. The impact instantly claimed the lives of 38-year-old Andrea Hudson and three child passengers: Boyd Buster Brown, 12, and sisters Matilda and Eloise Wilcoxson, aged 13 and 12, respectively.
The collision, which occurred on Tuesday, March 19, resulted in Hudson’s vehicle being propelled into two other cars on the road. Two of Hudson’s own children, who were also in the minivan, are currently hospitalized and in intensive care due to serious injuries sustained in the crash.
Jones, who also suffered serious injuries, is accused of gross negligence for allegedly running a red light at the intersection where the crash occurred. Investigations revealed that Jones had achieved speeds of up to 112 mph in a 40 mph zone and showed no signs of braking before the crash.
Witnesses at the scene confirmed Jones’ reckless driving, reporting that he was weaving dangerously through traffic just before the collision. This was not the first time Jones had been involved in high-speed accidents. Prosecutors from King County revealed that Jones had totaled two other vehicles in speeding-related accidents within the year preceding this fatal crash.
Jones now faces multiple charges including four counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of vehicular assault, and reckless driving. He is currently being held on a $1M bond. In Washington state, such serious charges could lead to substantial prison time.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community has come together to honor the victims. The Wilcoxson sisters were remembered on a GoFundMe page dedicated to the family as being “a true light to everyone around them,” reflecting their active involvement in their church, school, and neighborhood. Boyd Buster Brown was described by his father, Jaron Brown, as “one of the most fun-loving, adventurous kids.”
Andrea Hudson, who homeschooled her children, was remembered for her dedication to her family, her love for nature, and her health-conscious lifestyle. This incident has deeply affected the community, underscoring the devastating consequences of reckless driving.
