I have no idea what may have precipitated this accident.

I do know that people drive way too fast on 12 and 410. I used both this past week on a trip to Seattle. I drive the speed limit, if not 2-3 MPH faster. Yet, I was repeatedly passed, sometimes on single yellows and a couple of times on double yellows. The foolish people who drive in such a manner are accidents waiting to happen. I pray that they don't take me, my wife, or some other innocent driver/passenger with them when it happens.

There tends to be a couple of factors that create people passing in very dangerous areas.

Drivers like what mikelibbee pointed out that drive way too fast and reckless.

There are also those drivers of campers, trucks pulling boats, RVs, etc that do not pull over when there are 5 cars behind them. I've seen a lot of close calls that could have resulted in head-on collisions due to these drivers.

Of course, when you put these two drivers together, you tend to get some dangerous conditions for everyone on the road.

I have a Jeep Wrangler. You CAN'T GET 6 people in it, much less have seat belts for more than 4. Stupidity will live on even after this first class display of it.

We were coming over white pass yesterday and was tied up in the traffic. It held up hundreds of cars from both directions for some time. We waited 1 1/2 hours to get thru. We have not seen so much traffic on the road as we saw yesterday. I have not seen so much traffic on that road in years. Even on labor day weekend. Seems bad judgement and being in a hurry caused three lives. One thing I have found out is that going 50 mph instead of 70 mph usually gets you there just as fast. Yesterday coming over the pass we had cars on our tail constantly so we just pulled over and let them pass clear from Packwood. But we were aLL SETTING in that line for 1 1/2 hours. Life is too short to get in a rush.

This is so sad. Seatbelts are a must. If your vehicle doesn't have enough seatbelts for the amount of passengers, don't add that person.

Also this time of year, is suppose to be relaxing. So everyone drive the speed limit and prepare to go slow at times. US 12 is dangerous for its hairpin curves and blind spots. So not only wearing seatbelts is important, but so is not being in a hurry.

On the news last night (kndu) it mention the jeep crossed incoming traffic to avoid the car in front of it that suddenly hit their brakes. Just throwing that out there. But I agree seatbelts are a must.

I also have a Jeep Wrangler. How do you get 6 people safely in one? It's made for four.

My Husban and I were coming back from Packwood Yesterday. We had heard about the accedent on US 12. As we got to the area where it happened, they had it all cleared. But about 8 miles down the road the tow truck was pulled over to the side that had the Jeep. "My God" is all that I could say. The Jeep was no bigger then the size of the back seat in it. I am sirpized that anyone in the Jeep are still alive. God be with the Families of these people as they try to go on with there lives.

There are many factors involved in what is conceived as an "accident". As others have stated above... excessive speed, reckless driving habits, overloading a vehicle and inconsiderate drivers combine and multiply all these little things and create one big catastrophe. While driving I'm inclined to let the old song come to mind: "Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning last."

very sad...but just to add some clarification the 3 brothers were in the Jeep and the expedition that the brothers hit head on had the 6 passengers.

My prayers are with this family. It surprises me that people find negativity in such a tragedy. Let's not lose sight that three very young people died. We can only pray the family finds peace at this time.

I got stopped in the 410 accident on sunday, waited for 1hr and half before traffic could move again. People drive those roads too fast, I was driving a motorhome and they think that those rigs can go around corners as fast as them, grow up and take your drivers ed course again. If you want to speed go to the race track then kill yourselfs, not the people that go by the laws. What really mad me mad was that when we were at a stand still the stupid people that couldn't wait would drive the opposite lane to try to get to the front instead of waiting, blocking the opposite side for the emerecency vechiles to get thru. Also the idiots that think that they can pull out infront of you so they won't behind you. DO you think that a big heavy rig can slow down as fast as a car think again you fools. I feel for the fatilitys of that accident, just sitting there for that hour with my kids thanking god that it was not us becuase of stupid idiots.

My thoughts are with the family who suffered such a tragic loss.

My heart goes out to this family. I dont know them personally but i know of them. To date this famiy has lost 5 of heir children. How do you cope with such a great loss? May He give them strength.....

yes this family has lost alot of sons..to the person who said the expedition had six..the 3 Abundiz brothers also had their mother and 2 other females in it.dont get that wrong here.(Opinion4.)
so sad..Florida is just as bad. people from other states tend to think its a different country and drive like crazy..

Just to clarify...I'm related to the Abundiz family (the 3 boys that died are my cousins)The mother (my aunt) has lost 4 children. Her oldest passed away several years ago and now she

Actually, I have a Jeep Wrangler as well...and it fits more than four people just fine. There's two models, the 2-door and the much-larger 4-door that I have. Just thought I'd clear that up.

Pretty sad though that in such a tragedy there's people on here that still have to look at the "stupidity" that led to it. Three young men lost there lives and still some of you feel the need to come in here and talk smack.

If the people involved in the accident overloaded there vehicle, that's a shame and a mistake that resulted in a tragic end. Some on here like to act though like they've never done anything wrong in their lives. Keep fooling yourselves I guess, 'cause you're not fooling anyone else.

It's amazing to me how some people are so disturbingly heartless.... In a time where a family is experiencing not just one death of a loved one but THREE, and some still feel the need to leave such foolish remarks. These people were a part of our community, we should show some Support and Compassion.I can not even imagine the pain this family is going through without getting a knot in my throat. My heart goes out to the family as well as my prayers. THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT CARE AND FEEL FOR YOUR TRAGIC SITUATION.....

"Negativity in such a tragedy" OhMyGod? This is not a tragedy; it appears to be stupidity. We need to learn driving lessons here.

I also cannot imagine the pain this family is enduring. But, I cannot imagine why a driver swerves into the center lane to avoid a breaking vehicle. That means he was following way,way too closely. We see this everyday on those roads.

I always pull off HWY 12 and 410 to let you idiots who are on my tail pass. Why? Because I don't want to jeopardize my life and that of my wife. She trusts me while we are driving. Unfortunately, I cannot trust you! Slow the @#$% down. If you want to drive fast, use I-90.

Nick, put your filter in please!

Remember these are someones loved ones and deserve some respect.

I am sorry for your losses. No one should have to endure such heartache.

Shame on you, Nick. What was your point? To prove you're a jerk. Mission accomplished.

And Mikelibbee, what is your problem? This IS a tragedy.
And you're correct, "I have no idea what may have precipitated this accident." You don't.
It was not stupidity, it was an unfortunate situation that caused Roman to have to make a split-second decision when the car in front of him slammed on their brakes. He had to choose between going right, into the river (undoubtable tragedy), or going left and hoping that no one was oncoming so that he could try to protect his family.

Shame, Shame, Shame on you.
These were wonderful people who were a valuable asset to the Yakima community.

Don't hate.

First of all I want to pay my respects to Rosa and her husband. I ustu know Roman when I was in high school and from what remember he was a funny and good kid.

I agree with everyone else; stupidity doesn't take you far. Unfortunately for them, it took them to the grave. I hope that people learn form these recent loses and drive safe. You're not only putting yourself in danger, but everyone else also.

Lo siento mucho, Senora Rosa. Resaremos por usted y su fanilia.

I apologize for writing that this accident was not a tragedy. Of course, it was. Needless loss of life is by definition tragic. Very poor choice of words on my part.

I am not heartless at all. And my original comment was not directed at this particular accident. It was an indictment of the careless and often reckless manner in which many people drive Highways 12 and 410. These are mountain roads where the unexpected often happens.

Last Wednesday, my wife and were traveling west on HWY 12, following a black pickup with a large camper top and a red sedan. The sedan had just passed us and was tailgating the pickup/camper. Near the White Pass summit, where people are supposed to slow down, a deer suddenly bolted from the south onto the pavement. The pickup/camper swerved right and gave the deer a forceful impact, causing it to fly into the path of the sedan. The sedan swerved into the opposite lane to avoid the deer. There were no on-coming vehicles or we might be discussing yet another tragedy.

My wife and I were left wondering if the driver of the red sedan saw the deer before it came flying toward him? I would guess not because he was tailgating a rather large vehicle. Secondly, was the driver of the camper/pickup distracted by the tailgater and not paying sufficient attention to the road ahead? That happens all too frequently.

The driver of the camper/pickup stopped to attend to his shaken nerves and the deer. The driver of the red sedan sped on down the mountain.

No matter what anyone says, this is a tragedy. To lose so many so young. This family will NEVER be the same. We can all respond to this from our own personal experiences, whether good or bad. Hindsight is 20/20, and all the Coulda Woulda Shouldas will not make any difference to these boys now. We are all guilty of speeding, reckless driving, or other simple traffice violations. ALL OF US, at some time in our lives. We were just fortunate we got away with it. So let us not judge Roman for the unfortunate action he had to take on Sunday. I am certain at the time, it was the best action he thought he could take. It could have been worse, all of the passengers could have parished. He saved 3 lives!!
When his mother recovers from her injuries she will surely be devastated, but I hope she will have enough courage to carry on and keep the spirit of her sons alive.

some of you people have no heart.. if u have nothing nice 2 say just shut your mouth losing your three childrens is the worst. Have more respect if u were human u would understand. All roman was doing was trying 2 avoid hitting the car in front of him. All three will be missed my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in that family and hope that Rosa gets better, and Roman's wife Yecenia Im so sorry this family has gone through so much they lost there first child and now 3 more.. all they have left is 1 kid I wish the best for Eduardo and Oscar ....

and everyone who doent know this family keep your comments 2 yourself because It hurts us the one who know them and soon have 2 say goodbye 2 3 wonderfull people...

I'm stunned, still in shock. Some of the responses sicken me. maybe if they seen a little boy lie dead and another in a creek dying and a jeep on its side, in a creek with a small fire starting and a man covered with blood screaming would give some of these commenters some shame. I want phoenix 77 to please contact me by email, dalajo@juno.com. I stopped and got a card for the parents of these boys. I want to send money to them to help with the exspences of 3 funerals. How about all of us send what we can.
I was there trying to get people out of their cars to help turn the jeep over on its wheels and put out the fire in the grass. I don't believe either parties we're at fault. They call it reflexes!. The driver in the jeep was alive when the turned it on its wheels, I seen no blood on him. He was a handsome young man, and he was looking at me for some time and he just closed his eyes and a emt said hes gone, I want phoenix77 to know that I dont believe the 3 precious brothers suffered. The little boy lying by a creek looked like he was peacefully sleeping and the 15 year old was breathing when we pulled him up, I looked at his face and he looked in peace. I'm confused because I only seen the 3 brothers, a man they had to take out with the jaws of life and a young women sitting in a lawn chair on the highway. Did I not see the mother? Was she not found for the 4 hours I was there? This is a nightmare for me and I have been crying every second of every hour of every day since it has happened. I need to know if the man in the front passenger seat made it. He kept asking to help him and I couldnt. There was a man that got in the jeep with the boys trying to comfort them. He is a hero in my book. I stayed mostly with the couple pulling the boat, trying to keep her cool and stop his leg from bleeding. I think everyone that got involved really pulled together and I will never forget the faces of these people either. I own the cripple creek ghost town in Packwood and was just going to spend a few days working there. I live on a indian res. in Orofino ID. My life has been changed by this and all I want to do is help this family. My heart is broken. I also seen the man on the motorcycle on 410 when I drove around the mnt instead of waiting for the clean up. He was having his chest pumped. He died too. Sorry this is so long. I guess I just need someone to talk to. I'm just a chicken farmer that lives on top of a mnt. I live a total stress free life with my horse and I got home to Idaho today and I need someone to talk to. I'm just so sad, Ive never seen anyone die before

What a horrible tragedy. :( Though, just to clarify - the Jeep that the deceased were driving was a four-door model. That model is made to seat FIVE, and contains FIVE seatbelts (I have one). I know the Leach family, and the reason their children made it through this horrible crash was because they were properly restrained in child safety seats. Please, people, WEAR YOUR SEATBELT, make sure your children are properly restrained, and SLOW DOWN!!!! Pay attention to what's going on around you (and hang up your cell phone if you've got one), so this doesn't happen again.

Thank you so much everyone for your support and your prayers.

"Ilovetosnorkel" THANK YOU, YOUR AN ANGEL!!! My parents flew out to Washington yesterday and had to break the news to my aunt that her 3 beautiful boys were gone. It was the hardest thing they've ever done, they said... my dad told her she had 3 more lil angels now...She was asking God why he didnt take her instead. Ughh. Im a mother of 4 and can not even imagine the pain she must be feeling. My aunt is still in ICU but is recovering.

We are opening up an account for donations for the 3 brothers funeral. I will post it as soon as they call me with the account number. Anything you can help with would be soooo GREATLY APPRECIATED! Thank you! God Bless!!!

We have set up an accout at Key Bank to help the parents out with the funerals of the three young brothers that were taken from us, Roman, Raul and Fernando Abundiz.

Any small contribution will help please. GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU SO MUCH.

The Abundiz Brothers Donation
Acct #472092065953

102 E Yakima Ave
Yakima, WA 98901
509-575-6700

1202 N 40th Ave
Yakima, WA 98908
509-457-2472

Love you guys. You will be missed.

Let us not forget that there were two families involved in this tragic accident.

The other vehicle had children of a very young age in the vehicle. Just keep in mind that if the parents had not buckled them in properly and had taken the precaution of loading only the soft stuff behind them in the vehicle there would be more injured.

It's a lesson for all to take their time while traveling the busy highways to take your time and allow proper distances.

I have traveled White Pass many times (to many to count) on a Sunday and know that the traffic is heavy with people leaving the coolness of the mountains to get back home by Sunday evening. I have seen people pass on corners and where there is a yellow line for no passing, just to arrive 15 minutes home earlier than if they had taken their time.

Oh and for each family it will be a financial struggle to recover from this tragic accident, so what is being done to help the second family with there medical bills and loss of income from not being able to wor while recovering from their injuries.

Let us not forget that there were two families involved in this tragic accident.

The other vehicle had children of a very young age in the vehicle. Just keep in mind that if the parents had not buckled them in properly and had taken the precaution of loading only the soft stuff behind them in the vehicle there would be more injured.

It's a lesson for all to take their time while traveling the busy highways to take your time and allow proper distances.

I have traveled White Pass many times (to many to count) on a Sunday and know that the traffic is heavy with people leaving the coolness of the mountains to get back home by Sunday evening. I have seen people pass on corners and where there is a yellow line for no passing, just to arrive 15 minutes home earlier than if they had taken their time.

Oh and for each family it will be a financial struggle to recover from this tragic accident, so what is being done to help the second family with there medical bills and loss of income from not being able to wor while recovering from their injuries.

Of course, how can anyone forget...They are in our prayers as well.

I just read through all of these comments and I have to say that I can see both sides. First of all, I want to mention that I was also there, from start to end. My husband is an EMT and immediately started helping just seconds after the accident happened. My uncle was the guy that ilove2snorkel mentioned who climbed in the back of the jeep and tried to keep the trapped man calm. I sat in the backseat of the SUV and tried to keep the little Leach girls calm because their mom and dad were both injured pretty badly. I am so glad that they had their kids in appropriate seat belts. I'd love to know how the whole family is doing.

It was a horrible scene and I will never forget it. It was definitely a tragedy. But it was one that could have been avoided which makes it all the more tragic. Whether the Jeep had four seat belts or five doesn't matter. The Jeep was carrying six, which is too many, and the fact is that only two seat belts were being used and the four people not using seat belts were thrown out. I am shocked that the two women survived being thrown out. And whether or not the Jeep's driver was in a hurry and tried to pass the person in front of him or if he was following too closely and the person in front of him slammed on their breaks... either way, he was driving dangerously. On a side note, the Jeep was headed towards White Pass. If the car in front of him slammed on their breaks he had three choices; rear-end them, steer towards the right (onto the shoulder), or steer left into oncoming traffic, an embankment, and a river. He chose the latter. That is something I just don't understand at all.

That being said, I feel horrible for all parties involved, especially the mother who lost her young sons, and of course, for the three young men who died such a senseless death.

Well i wanna give my condolence's to the Abundiz Family and Friends for there loss. May god help you through these tough time's.

rachelander - I agree with your whole post, this entire tragedy could have been avoided, with just a few simple precautions (seat belts, not having too many passengers, safer driving, paying attention). I only stated how many seat belts the Jeep had to illustrate that it was overloaded and unsafe. :) The Leaches Expedition seats 7 or 8 (third row seat), and everyone inside had proper seat belts/child safety seats, and are so very blessed to have made it out of the accident alive - the pictures are horrific, and I can only imagine what the actual incident and aftermath were like. And thank you, Rachel, for your kindness in helping the family.

And as far as the Leach family, they are recovering at home. It's going to be a long, difficult road for them, both physically and financially. I live out of state, but wonder if anyone is going to set up a fund to help the Leaches during this difficult time? Don't get me wrong - I am very sorry for the Abundiz family. However, the Leaches were innocent victims that have been left to pick up the pieces with little or no help, as all the focus is elsewhere. I hope someone can do something to help them, as well.

More info: http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/08/05/i-need-my-husband-and-son-here

This young man had a split second and reacted

this accident sure put us in a bad situation. you can say at least we're alive but also look what we have to deal with now and being told you wont be fully compensated for something you do not cause.