Fatal crash in northwest valley under investigation

Published Monday, June 15, 2009 | 10:56 a.m.

Updated Monday, June 15, 2009 | 7:01 p.m.

Fatal crash

A collision between a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier and a 2006 Buick mini-van left a North Las Vegas woman dead this morning in the northwest Las Vegas Valley.

The 37-year-old woman, who was in the Cavalier stopped for a red traffic signal westbound on Smoke Ranch Road at Decatur Boulevard, was taken to University Medical Center where she was pronounced dead, Metro Police said.

The Clark County Coroner's Office identified the woman as Latasha Hale of North Las Vegas, a spokeswoman for the coroner's office said.

The driver of the mini-van, 21-year-old John Flores of Las Vegas, was also going west on Smoke Ranch Road, authorities said.

Police investigators said Flores was traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to see the Cavalier stopped at the red light. Flores was also taken to University Medical Center with moderate injuries, police said.

Police said it appears that alcohol and speed caused the crash, which remains under investigation. This is the 41st fatal traffic collision in Metro Police jurisdiction this year.

Discussion: 9 comments so far…

By olygene

6/15/09 at 12:26 p.m.

Suggest removal

If he was under the influence, 20 years to life without parole.
By johni8707

6/15/09 at 12:43 p.m.

Suggest removal

This is Sad, I saw the after math of this on my way to work, at the age of 37 she most likly had some kids. Hope the one night of drinking was worth a lifetime of guilt.
By William_Hale_70

6/15/09 at 4:23 p.m.

Suggest removal

From a cousin of the lady who was killed this morning. Yes she did have one child a mother a father brothers and a host of other family members. This Punk has devistated our family. I pray that Justice comes quick and shows just as much mercy as he showed when he MURDERED my cousin. My grief has been replaced with anger. When will these punks learn not to drink and drive. This makes the 3rd family member of mine to be killed by a drunk.
By jaesun

6/15/09 at 4:28 p.m.

Suggest removal

Sorry to hear. but this nation will never get it, and people will continue to drink and drive. Of course, they get away from the accident without a scratch! where is the justice in that!
By whats_in_the_box

6/15/09 at 11:34 p.m.

Suggest removal

This drunk piece of sh.t should not see sunlight till he's at least in his 30s. Time for our weak DA to get tough on all drunk drivers.
By tcvwedda

6/17/09 at 4:58 a.m.

Suggest removal

From a friend and co-worker of a cousin in Dallas Texas.

LaTasha 'Goose' IS very loved by very many family and friends ands leaves behind a very beatiful child.
This idiot who decided to drink and drive has no idea what he has done--the devastaion to this family. Myself and other friends and co-workers of a cousin in Dallas were with Latashas cousin right after she was told--this is so heartbreaking---May God Bless this family and the grief they are only beginning to face. Especially for her child who now has to grow up without a mother.
By sassyc

6/17/09 at 9:44 p.m.

Suggest removal

I had the pleasure of knowing LaTasha. She was a believer. She is without a doubt with Jesus. She is fine. I pray for her family and ask that God massage their grieving hearts. She taught her son to fear God. He will be fine. It is tragic that her life had to end by the hands of a drunk driver. He will be held responsible for his actions. God takes care of his children and LaTasha was most definietly a child of God.
By frankeeb16

6/20/09 at 1:37 p.m.

Suggest removal

This was a beautiful woman of God. I had the pleasure of knowing her and her son. They both attended "Bread Of Life: Ministries Of His Glory" which is the church I attend. She made her presence known every time she entered the doors, her voice lingered and caught your attention fast. It's so sad to see her go this early, but I know she is in a better place and I know God will protect her child...
By lovechild08

6/21/09 at 8:15 p.m.

Suggest removal

This was my mom's friend our mom use to take us to latasha's house when we were litte. we lived on the next street over and my mom knew her for a long time. I will pray for latasha's family and my mom. May she rest in peace, i know that she is in a better place. And i know that her family will make it through this hard and difficult time i will contiune to pray for her family. May god bless all of you.