Second person dies from crash-related injuries

*** Story updated ***

PASCO — A second person has died in connection with a vehicle that crashed Sunday, May 9, while trying to flee from a Franklin County Sheriff's Office deputy.

Ricky G. Cruz, 28, of Pasco, died of crash related injuries at a Spokane hospital, the Washington State Patrol reported today, May 12.

Karli E. Moore, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near Milepost 25 of U.S. Highway 395 at about 4:15 p.m.

Moore was a passenger in a 2002 Hyundai Elantra driven by Cruz, the patrol reported.

Cruz was being pursued westbound on Foster Wells Road by deputies at the time of the fatal crash, the patrol reported. He attempted to cross U.S. Highway 395 and was struck in the southbound lanes by a 2016 Western Star truck towing a 2013 flatbed trailer, the patrol said. Neither Moore nor Cruz was wearing a seatbelt.

The truck was driven by Harold J. Matuterivera, 40, of Milton-Freewater, Ore., the patrol said. He was wearing a seatbelt and not injured.

The fatal crash remains under investigation; deputies have yet to determine in drugs or alcohol were factors.