A man accused of being drunk behind the wheel and crashing into another vehicle, killing an 11-year-old girl and critically injuring an 18-year-old man on Halloween in Everson, pleaded not guilty to one count of vehicular homicide and three counts of vehicular assault on Friday, Nov. 8.
Tyler Higdon, 30, of Sedro-Woolley, appeared in Whatcom County Superior Court while in custody of the county jail. The family of the victims was also present at the arraignment hearing.
Around 5:50 p.m. on Oct. 31, first responders received a report of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of South Pass and Goodwin roads, said Deb Slater, the public information officer for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. An on-duty sheriff deputy was already on scene and witnessed the high-speed T-bone collision.
A silver Ford Fusion with four passengers traveling west was attempting to turn left onto Goodwin Road when it was struck by an eastbound white 2008 BMW, according to court documents. Witnesses said they believed the BMW was traveling 100 mph in a 50 mph zone.
Yaretzi Davila-Estrada, 11, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to law enforcement. Her 18-year-old sibling was ejected during the crash and was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in critical condition. His condition is unknown as of Nov. 7. Two other passengers were also injured and taken to the hospital.
During the investigation at the scene, Higdon was administered a Breathalyzer test and his blood alcohol content was 0.11%, according to court documents. He also allegedly acted impaired during a field sobriety test conducted by a sheriff’s deputy.
Higdon’s bail was set at $1 million at an earlier hearing. If he’s released, according to court order, he’s not to drive or consume drugs or alcohol.
His next court hearing is Dec. 4.
In response to the death of Davila-Estrada, a Sumas coffee shop, Loca Mocha, will donate all proceeds from drink sales and all tips on Monday, Nov. 11 to the Davila-Estrada family.
Additionally, a GoFundMe has been created to support the family. It has raised more than $42,000 in donations.
“Yaretzi was a cheerful, bright, 11-year-old who cared deeply for her family,” the fundraiser says.
Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.
