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SALT LAKE CITY — One of three people critically injured in crash involving a Tesla and Nissan has died, Salt Lake police announced Friday,
Sarina Astorga, 50, of West Valley City, died as a result of her injuries sustained on Sunday.
On that day, police say a Tesla ran a red light at 900 W. North Temple while traveling at a high rate of speed and smashed into another car driven by Astorga. The two men in the Tesla were also taken to a local hospital in critical conditions.
Police were notified of Astorga’s death on Thursday, but do not know exactly when she passed away.
After the crash, police said the Tesla’s combustible battery exploded, prompting a hazardous materials team to respond to the scene.
The crash remained under investigation Friday. Salt Lake police said impairment was being looked at as a possible factor.
According to a GoFundme page set up by Astorga’s daughter prior to her death, the family claims the Tesla was traveling up to 122 mph.
“Her trauma was the worst the hospital has seen in a very very long time. It is such a tragedy, my mom is only 50-years old and was on her way to work to help out on her scheduled day off,” Elisha Astorga wrote.
She posted on Facebook on Jan. 8 that her mother suffered extensive brain damage and doctors were telling her there was “basically no chance of survival.”
“I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO LET GO OF MY MOM!!!,” she posted. “This ... is the worst thing I’ve had to face in my life! It’s a nightmare I literally feel like I’m in a dream. It’s indescribable!”
As news of Sarina Astorga’s death spread, message of condolence and tributes were posted on social media.
“Our family lost someone very special way before we should have but gained another guardian angel. Aunt Sarina Astorga I feel like no words can really express the amount of pain everyone has to endure,” Will Connelley wrote on Facebook.
“I am forever thankful for you and will never forget how you great you are to me and all of your loved ones! ... Please watch over us all, this one has hit hard for your entire family (we have a huge family) and all that had the pleasure of knowing you for even a day.”
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