Silvino Ortega-Cruz Injured in Ephrata Car Crash
On August 4, 2025, at approximately 10:12 a.m., a two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Road 9 NW and State Route 283, approximately five miles south of Ephrata, Washington. The Washington State Patrol reported that 18-year-old McKenna M. Walters of East Wenatchee was driving eastbound on Road 9 NW in a red 2014 Chevrolet Cruze when she failed to stop at a posted stop sign. Walters’ vehicle then struck a white 1998 Toyota Camry driven by 26-year-old Silvino Ortega-Cruz of Royal City, who was traveling southbound on SR 283. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.Ortega-Cruz sustained injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to Confluence Health for treatment. Walters, who suffered serious injuries, was airlifted to the same medical facility. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by JBird Towing and Tow Pros. The Washington State Patrol cited Walters for failure to stop at a stop sign and confirmed that drugs and alcohol were not involved in the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, with no further details released at this time.
