Connell mother killed in multi-vehicle crash on SR 17 Tuesday

November 11, 2026

By: C&K Trowbridge

Family and friends are mourning the loss of a Connell resident who was tragically killed on Tuesday evening, November 10.

Jessica R. Zarate- Pena (37) a mother of three, sister, daughter, and friend was heading to the Othello Walmart when the fatal accident occurred just before 6:40 pm at the intersection of SR 17 and Booker Road (11 miles north of Mesa).

Washington State Patrol investigator, Taylor Scott, stated that a Toyota and Chevy Malibu were both traveling south on Booker Road toward State Route 17 when the Toyota rear-ended the Chevy driven by Zarate. The impact pushed the Chevy into the path of northbound traffic on SR 17. That is when a Nissan Sentra, driving northbound on 17, struck the Chevy.

Zarate, two juveniles and one adult were in the Chevy. The passengers of the Chevy along with the driver of the Nissan were taken from the scene to Othello Community Hospital with non-life threatening injuries according to WSP.

Zarate was pronounced dead on the scene.

Further details indicate the adult (19) has a broken pelvis and femur. The juveniles (6 and 14) were transported to Seattle.

The driver of the Toyota, a 62 year old Kennewick man who caused the multi-vehicle accident, has been booked into Franklin County Jail on Vehicular Homicide Charges. WSP said that they expect the driver was impaired (drugs/alcohol) at the time of the accident.

Zarate’s mother, Ofelia Zarate,  expressed to the Connell community, “Thank you to everyone for your messages, love, and prayers. They mean more than you know.”

“Our family is going through an incredibly difficult time, and any donations to help with expenses would be greatly appreciated,” Ofelia stated as she spoke of the heartbreaking news of her daughter’s tragic death, “We appreciate all your prayers and support. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”