– Fatal car crash involving sisters
– Sisters identified in deadly racing accident.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The tragic incident that unfolded in south Las Vegas, resulting in a deadly crash, has shed light on the devastating consequences of reckless driving. The individuals involved, identified as sisters, were engaged in a high-speed race that ended in a catastrophic collision. The aftermath of the crash has left one sister, Jessica Dettlaff, tragically deceased, while the other, Melissa Dettlaff, is recovering from injuries sustained in the accident.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department swiftly responded to the scene of the crash, which took place in the early hours of Feb. 21 on East Silverado Ranch Boulevard. The collision involved an orange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro and a maroon 2023 Mazda MX5, both hurtling down Silverado Ranch at dangerous speeds. The impact of the crash sent the vehicles careening in opposite directions, with the Camaro colliding with a retaining wall and the Mazda striking a light pole and a tree.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the vehicles appeared to be racing or engaging in reckless driving behaviour as they sped past. The driver of the Camaro, Jonathan Gallagher, 24, was alone in his vehicle at the time of the crash. The Mazda’s driver, Melissa Dettlaff, 26, revealed to authorities that her sister, Jessica Dettlaff, 24, was the unfortunate passenger who lost her life in the collision.
Following the crash, Gallagher was taken to UMC for treatment of minor injuries and subsequently passed a sobriety test. However, Melissa Dettlaff, due to her injuries, was unable to complete a sobriety test at the scene. Multiple blood samples were taken for analysis, with results pending. Both Gallagher and Dettlaff admitted to having been at Distill Bar before the collision, with an employee confirming their presence at the bar.
Investigations at the scene revealed the alarming speeds at which the vehicles were travelling, with the Camaro exceeding 90 miles per hour and the Mazda surpassing 80 miles per hour. Both Gallagher and Dettlaff now face charges of reckless driving resulting in death or bodily harm, as well as participating in a speed contest. Dettlaff may also face DUI charges pending the analysis of blood samples.
Court records show that Gallagher posted bail the day after the crash and is scheduled to appear in court on March 27. Dettlaff has also posted bail and has been released on electronic monitoring, with a prohibition on driving. Her court appearance is set for March 26, where the full extent of legal proceedings will unfold..
1. Deadly racing crash identified as sisters
2. Victim and driver in deadly racing crash identified as sisters.
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