ENTIAT, Washington — The Entiat community was shaken late Saturday when a routine drive turned deadly on US‑97A. At about 9:55 p.m. on March 14, 2026, 24‑year‑old Kasey J. Emery of Chelan died in a two‑vehicle collision that left both lanes of the highway blocked and loved ones reeling.
The Washington State Patrol says both vehicles were heading northbound when the first car began a right turn. The second vehicle did not slow or yield and struck the turning vehicle. The force of the impact left both cars disabled in the roadway.
Emery was a passenger in the turning Chevrolet Trailblazer. She was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered fatal injuries. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Her family was notified shortly after, and word of her passing spread quickly through Entiat and surrounding communities.
The driver of the Trailblazer, 24‑year‑old Jaiden C. Buyas of Entiat, was wearing a seatbelt. He was injured and taken to Central Valley Hospital for treatment. His condition has been described as stable.
The second vehicle, a 2024 Ford F‑450, was driven by 27‑year‑old Merlee I. Liberty of Coulee Dam, with 24‑year‑old Derek C. Graham of East Wenatchee in the passenger seat. Both were buckled up and walked away from the crash without injuries.
Early investigation suggests that drugs or alcohol may have played a role, but troopers have not released final findings. They are reviewing vehicle positions, road conditions, and other details to understand exactly how the tragedy unfolded.
Friends and family remember Kasey Emery as a bright, kind‑hearted young woman who brought joy to gatherings and laughter to quiet moments. Her loss has left a hole in the lives of those who knew her, and community members are sharing memories of her generous spirit.
The crash serves as a stark reminder about the critical importance of seatbelt use and attentive driving. In Entiat, the memory of Kasey’s life and the shock of her sudden passing will linger as neighbors honor what she meant to them.
