Dorothy Vandiest Killed in DUI Crash on State Route 12 in Chehalis, Washington on November 27, 2025

A fatal traffic collision on State Route 12 near the Interstate 5 interchange in Chehalis, Washington, claimed the life of 95-year-old Dorothy Vandiest on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. According to authorities, Vandiest was a passenger in a Dodge Grand Caravan that collided with a GMC Sierra attempting to make a U-turn while traveling westbound. The crash occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m., and emergency responders pronounced Vandiest deceased from injuries sustained in the impact.

The driver of the GMC Sierra, identified as Remigio Corona Quintero of Centralia, was arrested and later charged with vehicular homicide and driving under the influence. Investigators with the Washington State Patrol confirmed that impairment was a factor in the collision, and the case remains under formal review as authorities await additional testing results. The incident underscores the continued public safety risks associated with impaired driving and marks a significant loss for the Chehalis community.