Family of 29-Year-Old Crash Victim Speaks Out
The family of a 29-year-old male killed in an I-10 crash spoke with reporters on Thursday regarding the man’s death.
Man Causes Multi-Vehicle Accident in El Paso
According to KFOX 14, Sterling Ashcroft from Fountain Hills, Arizona was allegedly speeding down Interstate 10 in far east El Paso when it is believed he caused a chain reaction of collisions on Wednesday, August 20 around 9:15 p.m.
Police investigators state Ashcroft’s pickup rear-ended a 1990 Acura Integra driven by Garett Hoff which was then forced into the left lane, causing it to hit the rear of a 1990 Mercury Sable carrying Virginia Acosta.
The Sable then struck a black 2013 International tractor that was stopped due to heavy traffic. Ashcroft continued to push the Integra which then rear-ended a 2004 Ford Explorer, causing it to hit a 2000 Buick Le Sabre.
The crash collision resulted in the death of Garett Hoff, 29, and Virginia Acosta, 55.
Aftermath of the Fatal Collision
Sterling Ashcroft was placed under arrest at the scene of the crime and charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon and intoxication assault. His bond has been set at $626,500.
KFOX 14 spoke to the family of Garett Hoff, who was well known in the racing community and had recently started his own automotive customizing business.
Gary Hoff, father of Garett Hoff, said Thursday, “When you talked cars, his eyes would just light up, it’s tough you can’t call him now. I just know that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time.” Gary Hoff also stated he hopes to start a memorial race in honor of his son one day.
Friends and family of Garett stopped by his home all day Thursday to bring flowers and offer condolences.
Car Accident Statistics and Information
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) provided the following information
- About one in three traffic deaths involve drunk driving.
- Someone is killed in an alcohol-related crash on average every 53 minutes.
- Every 90 seconds, someone is injured because of drunk driving.
- 1,296 drunk driving fatalities in 2012 were in Texas alone.