Sisters identified as Victims in Deadly Racing Crash in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (FOX5/Gray News) – The tragic incident that unfolded in Las Vegas, resulting in a fatal racing-related crash, has now been identified as involving two sisters. According to an arrest report, the driver and victim killed in the crash were sisters, adding another layer of heartbreak to this devastating event.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department swiftly responded to the scene of the crash, which took place on Feb. 21 at 1:41 a.m. on East Silverado Ranch Boulevard near Bermuda Road. The details that emerged from the investigation painted a grim picture of the events leading up to the collision.

Reports indicate that an orange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro and a maroon 2023 Mazda MX5 were both speeding eastbound on East Silverado Ranch Boulevard when they collided. The impact sent the vehicles spinning in opposite directions, with the Camaro crashing into a retaining wall and the Mazda hitting a light pole and tree.

Tragically, the passenger in the Mazda, identified as 24-year-old Jessica Dettlaff, was unable to escape the vehicle and was found unresponsive at the scene. Witnesses described seeing her bleeding from the head, adding to the heartbreaking nature of the crash.

Eyewitnesses reported that the two vehicles appeared to be racing or engaging in reckless driving behaviour as they sped from the vicinity of South Point Casino. The driver of the Camaro, 24-year-old Jonathan Gallagher, was found to be alone in his vehicle at the time of the crash.

The driver of the Mazda, 26-year-old Melissa Dettlaff, revealed to authorities that her sister, Jessica Dettlaff, was the passenger in her car and tragically lost her life in the collision. Gallagher sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Medical Center for treatment after passing a sobriety test.

However, the investigation took a concerning turn when officers detected the smell of alcohol on Melissa Dettlaff, who was also injured in the crash. Due to her medical condition, she was unable to complete a sobriety test, and blood samples were taken to determine her blood alcohol level.

Further scrutiny revealed that the highest reported speed of the Camaro was over 90 miles per hour, while the Mazda was travelling at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour. Both Gallagher and Melissa Dettlaff admitted to police that they had been at Distill Bar before the collision, which raised further questions about their actions leading up to the crash.

Both Gallagher and Melissa Dettlaff are now facing serious charges, including reckless driving resulting in death or bodily harm and participating in a speed contest. Melissa Dettlaff could also be charged with DUI resulting in death pending the analysis of her blood samples.

Court records indicate that Gallagher posted bail on Feb. 22 and is scheduled to appear in court on March 27. Melissa Dettlaff was also released on bail but is under electronic monitoring and has been prohibited from driving. She is due back in court on March 26.