FRANKLIN COUNTY / CONNELL, WA — The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is investigating a fatal three-vehicle collision that claimed the life of 37-year-old Jessica Renee Zarate (also known as Jessica Renee Pena) of Connell, Washington, on Tuesday evening, November 10, 2026.
The complex chain-reaction crash occurred near the intersection of Booker Road and State Route 17, leaving three others injured, including two juvenile passengers.
Crash Dynamics & Emergency Response Timeline
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Time & Location: Washington State Patrol troopers responded at approximately 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to a multi-vehicle crash near Booker Road and State Route 17, roughly 11 miles north of Mesa in Franklin County.
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Chain-Reaction Collision: Troopers reported that two vehicles were traveling southbound on Booker Road when one vehicle struck the second vehicle from behind. The impact propelled the second vehicle—driven by Zarate—into the intersection, where a third vehicle traveling northbound on State Route 17 collided with it.
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On-Scene Fatality: Zarate sustained fatal injuries in the impact and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
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Medical Transports: Three injured individuals, including two juvenile passengers from Zarate’s vehicle, were emergency-transported to Othello Community Hospital for treatment.
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Impairment Factor: State troopers confirmed that drugs or alcohol were involved in the cause of the collision.
Investigative Summary & Incident Details
| Category | Details & Official Findings |
| Deceased Victim | Jessica Renee Zarate (Pena), Age 37 (Connell, WA) |
| Injured Victims | 3 Occupants (Including 2 juvenile passengers; treated at Othello Community Hospital) |
| Date & Time | Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at ~6:40 p.m. |
| Location | Booker Road & State Route 17 (~11 miles north of Mesa), Franklin County, WA |
| Vehicles Involved | 3 Vehicles (Multi-vehicle chain-reaction crash) |
| Contributing Factor | Impairment confirmed (Drugs or alcohol involved) |
| Investigating Agency | Washington State Patrol (WSP) |
Ongoing Investigation & Public Information
The Washington State Patrol’s collision reconstruction team is actively processing the crash scene:
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Forensic Reconstruction: State troopers are gathering vehicle telemetry, analyzing impact angles, and conducting toxicology tests to establish the formal timeline and legal accountability for the crash.
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Support for Injured Juveniles: Family members and community resources are surrounding the two injured children and adult survivor as they recover from their injuries.
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Service Announcements: Funeral arrangements, memorial services, and formal family notices for Jessica Zarate will be finalized and announced by her family alongside local service providers in Franklin County.
Expressions of Sympathy
The sudden passing of Jessica Renee Zarate brings profound grief to her children, family, friends, and the community of Connell.
May Jessica Renee Zarate rest in peaceful, eternal rest, and may her family, loved ones, and the three injured survivors find strength, healing, and comfort in the days ahead.
