Woman Hit By Suspected Drunk Driver Dies, Police Say

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Officials with the Salt Lake City Police Department said the female driver of a Nissan that was involved in a suspected DUI crash on North Temple has died.

Police identified the woman as 50-year-old Sarina Astorga on Friday.

Astorga was critically injured when her Nissan was hit by a Tesla near 900 West North Temple on Sunday.

Police said the Tesla was traveling at a high rate of speed and ran a red light before hitting the Nissan.

Witness told police the Tesla’s battery then exploded and a hazmat crew was called to the scene.

Sergeant Keith Horrocks with the Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed the crash was under investigation and said the Tesla’s driver, 35-year-old Joseph Lucero, could face felony charges of driving under the influence.

We are sad to report Sarina Astorga, 50, has died from injuries sustained in a traffic accident at 900 W. North Temple St. on January 5th. Sarina was driving the Nissan that was struck in this accident. The accident remains under investigation at this time.

— SLC Police Dept. (@slcpd) January 10, 2020

Lucero and another male were also hospitalized with critical injuries after the crash.

Family members established a GoFundMe page* to help with medical costs.

*KSL TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.