18-year-old dies in fatal crash on Yakima’s Roza Hill Drive

YAKIMA — The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that an 18-year-old man was killed following a rollover vehicle crash on Oct. 31.

Just after 7:25 p.m. on October 31, 2024, Yakima County Sheriff’s Office deputies, medics and Washington State Patrol troopers were dispatched to the 9500 block of Roza Hill Drive.

Upon arrival, it was discovered that a 1988 GMC pickup was traveling eastbound on Roza Hill Drive. The driver, Oscar Padilla Jr., failed to negotiate a curve and rolled off the south side of the roadway. Two occupants were thrown from the car as it rolled over. One occupant, 18-year-old Nathan Sanchez, died from injuries sustained in the collision. The other passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver was taken into custody and booked into the Yakima County Jail for vehicular homicide. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the collision.

This incident is currently under investigation by the Yakima County Sheriff’s Traffic Division. Next of kin have been informed.