Charges filed against teen driver in wreck that killed 17-year-old Richland student

An 18-year-old driver’s reckless driving allegedly led to the death of a Richland High School senior just days before Thanksgiving.

Celcilo G. Romero has been charged with vehicular homicide after he lost control of his car while allegedly weaving through traffic on the Highway 240 off-ramp to Interstate 182, court documents said.

The crash killed Maria Vasquez Reyes, 17, who was riding in the passenger seat.

He has been summoned to appear in court to enter a plea on Feb. 29.

Romero was behind the wheel of a 2005 Infiniti G35 around 3 p.m. on Nov. 21 going about 75 to 80 mph, according to court documents.

Witnesses told police he was weaving between the left and right lane of interchange going from eastbound Highway 240 bypass to eastbound Interstate 182. He was driving faster than everyone else on the road.

Witnesses heard the Infiniti speed up in the left lane as Romero allegedly tried to get into the gap in the right lane to pass another car. At the same time, he was trying to negotiate the turn in the road and avoid the vehicle in front of him.

He lost control as he tried to make the turn and the Infiniti spun out, went off the road and flipped. Vasquez Reyes died at the scene.

Romero was also hurt in the crash and taken to a local hospital.

A passenger in the backseat survived the crash.

Vasquez Ramirez’s death sent a shock through Richland. School district officials responded in a statement saying her death was tragic.

Her family remembered her as someone who loved to spend time with her six siblings, according to an obituary. She also enjoyed singing and dancing.

“She was the life of the party and could light up any room with her beautiful smile,” the obituary said.