Grandmother killed, family members injured after crash while changing tire on freeway

A grandmother is dead and two family members are hospitalized after troopers say a suspected impaired driver crashed into their vehicles early Wednesday morning

MESA, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News) — An 82-year-old grandmother is dead and three of her family members were injured after troopers said a suspected impaired driver slammed into their vehicles on an Arizona freeway.

The crash happened early Wednesday morning on U.S. 60 near Higley Road.

Javier Valenzuela said his cousin and his grandmother, Ruth Acuña de Valenzuela, were driving home from dinner when a flat tire forced them to the shoulder of the freeway.

“They were really close, so he was always taking her everywhere,” Valenzuela said.

Valenzuela’s aunt and uncle arrived to help change the tire and offered to drive Ruth home.

“Since he was on a spare, my aunt and uncle told him, ‘We’ll take your grandma home, because you’re on a spare, just go straight home and we’ll take her home,’” Valenzuela said.

Troopers said 21-year-old Zachary Robert Penrod was driving on U.S. 60 and slammed into both of the family’s vehicles. He showed signs of impairment and was taken into custody, according to troopers.

Valenzuela said Penrod first hit the car carrying his grandmother, aunt and uncle, killing Ruth on impact.

“She had been saying she knew she was getting old, her time was coming soon, but it’s really unfair that someone had to go like this,” Valenzuela said.

Valenzuela’s aunt and uncle have undergone multiple surgeries, with a long recovery ahead, he said. His cousin suffered a broken collarbone.

“My cousin got out and checked on them; he saw everything,” Valenzuela said. “He’s traumatized; how could you not be?”

Valenzuela spent days by his family’s side while they recover at the Banner Desert Medical Center.

“I just feel bad for my aunt and uncle, they didn’t deserve this either, their whole life is going to be changed,” Valenzuela said. “It’s not fair.”

Penrod faces multiple felony charges, including reckless manslaughter and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral and medical costs.