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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Reckless driving ends in Spokane Valley fatality

From staff and wire reports
SPOKANE VALLEY — The Washington State Patrol says a driver was speeding recklessly and passing cars when he collided head-on with an oncoming car Wednesday evening in Spokane Valley, killing the other driver. Brittany A. Babinski, 21, of Spokane Valley, was killed in the accident. Authorities said 43-year-old Brett Birge of Auburn may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol when his Volkswagen Jetta collided with Babinski’s Mazda 626 around 5:20 p.m. Birge faces a vehicular homicide charge, a news release from the WSP said. Birge was injured and was taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center. The accident occurred on Trent Avenue at Sargent Road. Birge was driving west on Trent and two other cars were headed east on Trent, one in the left lane, one in the right lane. Birge’s vehicle crossed the center lane and hit Babinski’s car head-on, the release said. After the two cars collided, Babinski’s car was forced into a Volvo S40, driven by Joseph A. Gardner, 26, of Spokane Valley. Gardner was not injured. Babinski and Gardner both were wearing seat belts; Birge was not, the release said.