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

Naches man killed in three-car collision on U.S. 12

Yakima Herald-Republic

NACHES, Wash. – A Naches man died in a three-car collision about 2 miles west of town late Friday afternoon, the Washington State Patrol reported.

Johnny J. Rains, 50, was killed in the crash on U.S. Highway 12. The crash was reported about 4:30 p.m. and disrupted traffic for several hours, the state Department of Transportation said.

Rains was westbound on U.S. 12 at milepost 188 when he stopped to make a left-hand turn. His Chevrolet Cavalier was struck by a Ford Explorer, also westbound, driven by Wendy A. Gaiser, 50, of Naches, the State Patrol reported.

He then struck an eastbound Toyota RAV4 driven by Judith R. Cook, 76, of Lacey, authorities said. All wore seat belts.

Cook was not injured; Gaiser was treated at Virginia Mason Memorial in Yakima and released, a nursing supervisor said.

The cause of the crash is under investigation and charges are pending, the WSP reported.