Another 15-year-old from Yacolt has died following a crash on state Route 503 last week, according to a June 21 update from the Washington State Patrol.
The fatalities from the accident that occurred on June 14 include Ivy Hunt, 16, of Napavine, who died at the scene, and Harumi and Emi Yato, both 15, of Yacolt, who later died at a hospital.
The man who allegedly crashed his truck into another car head-on made his first appearance in court on June 15. David Zarb, 46, of La Center, had his bail set at $500,000. Zarb is facing charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
Washington State Patrol responded to the area of state Route 503 and Gabriel Road for a two car head-on collision at about 1:30 p.m. on June 14, according to a probable cause affidavit for Zarb’s arrest. The affidavit stated Zarb was heading northbound on state Route 503 when he crossed the center line with his F-150 and struck the victims’ vehicle, a Mazda 3, head on.
Both vehicles rotated before coming to a stop, the affidavit stated.
Both of the Yato girls received critical injuries and were transported from the scene along with Danlette Yato, 66, of Yacolt.
On June 17, WSP reported one of the Yato teens, who was a passenger, had died. The second twin has also died, according to an update released on June 21.
When a detective approached Zarb’s vehicle they noticed “an odor of intoxicants coming from inside the truck,” the affidavit stated. Zarb admitted to WSP and firefighters on scene that he had three drinks before meeting up with a friend in Battle Ground for two more. He told firefighters he believed it was 6 or 7 p.m.
While on an emergency stretcher, Zarb “was clearly being sarcastic and uncooperative” when asked for his name, according to the affidavit. After he was transported to the hospital, a responding officer could also smell an odor of intoxicants and noted Zarb’s “eyes were bloodshot and watery.”
Zarb requested an attorney at the hospital, the affidavit stated, though while speaking with a nurse he said “it was like a hard collision” and mentioned his airbag deployed. A responding officer took a blood draw for toxicology evidence after receiving a search warrant.
Zarb is scheduled for another appearance in court June 25.
