Drag-racing wreck in Tucson's Gates Pass kills woman, 18

2012-10-08T00:00:00Z 2012-10-08T07:56:44Z Drag-racing wreck in Tucson's Gates Pass kills woman, 18Carmen Duarte Arizona Daily Star Arizona Daily Star
October 08, 2012 12:00 am  • 

An 18-year-old woman died from injuries in a rollover early Sunday near Gates Pass after two vehicles were involved in a drag race, authorities said.

Marymar Martinez-Duran died at University of Arizona Medical Center-University Campus after she was injured in the incident at about 1:30 a.m., said authorities.

William Pina, the driver of one car, was carrying four passengers - Martinez-Duran and Lucero Leon, Dora Ramirez and Jose Collazo, said Deputy Renee Carlson, a Pima County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman.

Ricardo Sarmiento was the driver and only person in the second vehicle, Carlson said.

The group had been with friends who were drinking at a lookout in Gates Pass, Carlson said.

While driving back into the city heading east on Gates Pass Road toward Speedway, Pina and Sarmiento began drag racing. Sarmiento's vehicle was traveling at more than 80 mph in a 35 mph zone, said Carlson.

Pina crossed the center yellow line in a no-passing zone and was going around the other vehicle, Carlson said. Sarmiento and Pina both lost control of their vehicles and left the roadway, traveling through brush before coming to a stop, Carlson said.

Pina's vehicle rolled, said Capt. Adam Goldberg of the Northwest Fire District. By the time paramedics arrived, bystanders had removed Martinez-Duran, who was trapped inside Pina's vehicle, Goldberg said.

Paramedics treated Martinez-Duran, Leon and Ramirez before transporting them to the hospital, said Goldberg.

Martinez-Duran was pronounced dead at the hospital. Leon and Ramirez were in stable condition, Carlson said.

Pina and Sarmiento were not injured, Goldberg said.

Pina was arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail on suspicion of manslaughter, aggravated assault, endangerment and DUI, said Carlson.

Sarmiento has not been charged, but additional criminal charges are expected, Carlson said.

Copyright 2013 Arizona Daily Star. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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