WALLA WALLA, Wash. — The driver killed in a fatal crash on Highway 12 near Walla Walla on Tuesday morning has been identified as Daniel Boggs, a 28-year-old man from Dayton, Washington.
According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Daniel Mosqueda, next of kin has been notified .
The crash, which occurred just east of Walla Walla near Interchange Road, also left two children in critical condition and shut down the highway for several hours.
How the Crash Happened
Washington State Patrol Trooper Daniel Mosqueda said evidence indicates that a silver Chevy Cruze was traveling west on Highway 12 when it crossed the center lane and struck a commercial vehicle that was driving east .
The driver of the Chevy Cruze — identified as Daniel Boggs — died in the crash, Mosqueda said. There were two additional passengers in the Chevy and one person, who was the driver, in the commercial vehicle .
The commercial vehicle was towing a trailer and a pup trailer at the time of the collision .
Two Children Airlifted in Critical Condition
Trooper Mosqueda confirmed that the two other passengers in the Chevy Cruze were children. Both were airlifted to a hospital and were reported to be in critical condition .
Authorities have not released the ages or identities of the children, and their current medical status has not been updated since the initial reports.
Highway Closure and Detours
Highway 12 was closed in both directions near Interchange Road following the crash. The Walla Walla Police Department advised the following detours for travelers :
For eastbound travelers:
· Exit at Airport Road
· Continue east on Mill Creek Road
· Turn north onto Harbert Road
· Re-enter Highway 12 at Harbert Road
For westbound travelers:
· Turn south onto Harbert Road
· Continue west onto Mill Creek Road
· Re-enter Highway 12 at Airport Road
Barricades and officers were stationed at the scene to assist with traffic flow, the department said .
The highway was reopened as of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday .
Trooper Mosqueda said around 8:20 a.m. that the intersection would be closed for a minimum of two hours and that a Washington State Patrol collision technician was headed to the scene .
Key Details at a Glance
Detail Information
Victim Daniel Boggs
Age 28
Residence Dayton, Washington
Vehicle Silver Chevy Cruze
Date of crash Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Location Highway 12 near Interchange Road, Walla Walla
Other vehicle Commercial vehicle towing trailer and pup trailer
Passengers Two children, airlifted in critical condition
Commercial driver Not injured
Highway reopened 1:30 p.m.
Investigating agency Washington State Patrol
What We Know
· Daniel Boggs, 28, of Dayton, was driving a silver Chevy Cruze westbound on Highway 12
· The Chevy crossed the center lane and struck an eastbound commercial vehicle
· Boggs died in the crash; next of kin has been notified
· Two children in the Chevy were airlifted to a hospital in critical condition
· The driver of the commercial vehicle was not injured
· Highway 12 was closed near Interchange Road for several hours
· The highway reopened at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday
· Washington State Patrol is investigating the crash
What We Don’t Know
· The ages and identities of the two children injured in the crash
· The current medical condition of the two children
· Whether drugs, alcohol, or distracted driving played a role in the crash
· The exact cause of why the Chevy Cruze crossed the center line
· Whether any charges will be filed in connection with the crash
· The identity of the commercial vehicle driver
About the Location
Highway 12 is a major east-west corridor in Washington State that runs through Walla Walla County. The stretch near Interchange Road is located just east of Walla Walla and carries significant commercial and passenger traffic between the Walla Walla Valley and the Tri-Cities region.
Dayton is a small city in Columbia County, Washington, located approximately 30 miles northeast of Walla Walla.
Safety Reminders
Washington State Patrol reminds motorists of the following safety tips:
· Stay in your lane and avoid distractions while driving
· Wear a seat belt at all times — seat belts remain the single most effective safety device in vehicles
· Use proper child restraints for young passengers
· Be aware of commercial vehicles and their limited maneuverability
· Report unsafe driving by calling 911
Investigation Status
The Washington State Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash. No additional information is currently available regarding the cause or any potential citations. Updates will be provided as they become available.
Leave a Reply