Jessica Dettlaff Identified as Victim in Deadly Las Vegas Racing Crash

1. Racing related crash passenger killed
2. Car driven by sister in racing-related crash.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS (FOX5/Gray News) – The tragic racing-related crash that occurred in Las Vegas has taken a heartbreaking turn as it has been revealed that the two drivers involved were actually sisters. According to an arrest report, the victim who lost her life in the crash has been identified as 24-year-old Jessica Dettlaff, with her sister Melissa Dettlaff being the driver of the Mazda involved in the incident.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to the scene of the crash on Feb. 21 at 1:41 a.m. on East Silverado Ranch Boulevard near Bermuda Road. The collision involved an orange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro and a maroon 2023 Mazda MX5, both travelling at a high rate of speed eastbound on East Silverado Ranch Boulevard. The impact caused both vehicles to spin in opposite directions, with the Camaro hitting a retaining wall and the Mazda crashing into a light pole and tree.

Tragically, Jessica Dettlaff, the passenger in the Mazda, was unable to exit the vehicle and was found unresponsive at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing her bleeding from the head, indicating the severity of the crash. It was later revealed that the two vehicles were seen “racing or messing around” by a witness as they drove from the vicinity of South Point Casino.

Jonathan Gallagher, the 24-year-old driver of the Camaro, was found to be alone in his vehicle at the time of the crash. Melissa Dettlaff, the 26-year-old driver of the Mazda, confirmed to authorities that her sister Jessica was the passenger in her car and tragically lost her life in the collision.

Both Gallagher and Melissa Dettlaff were taken to separate hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Gallagher, who passed a sobriety test at the scene, was transported to University Medical Center for minor injuries. Melissa Dettlaff, however, was taken to Sunrise Hospital for the injuries she sustained in the crash.

During the investigation, officers detected the smell of alcohol on Melissa Dettlaff, but due to her medical condition, she was unable to complete a sobriety test. Blood samples were taken for analysis, with results pending at the time of the report. Both Gallagher and Melissa Dettlaff admitted to being at Distill Bar before the collision, which was confirmed by an employee at the bar.

The investigation also revealed that the Camaro was travelling at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour, while the Mazda was clocked at speeds above 80 miles per hour. Both drivers are now facing charges of reckless driving resulting in death or bodily harm and participating in a “speed contest.” Melissa Dettlaff could potentially face additional charges of DUI resulting in death pending the analysis of the blood samples.

Gallagher posted bail the day after the crash and is scheduled to appear in court on March 27. Melissa Dettlaff also posted bail and was released on electronic monitoring, with a court date set for March 26. Additionally, she has been prohibited from driving as the legal proceedings continue..

– Passenger killed in racing-related crash
– Car driven by sister, police say.