Heartbreaking Incident on Christmas Day Takes Lives of Moses Lake Family on U.S. Highway 12

 On December 25, 2025, a catastrophic front-to-front crash on U.S. Highway 12 in Walla Walla County, Washington, resulted in the deaths of a young family of three from Moses Lake. This incident occurred during a period usually associated with celebration and unity, leaving friends, family, and the broader community grieving an immense loss.

As reported by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the tragic event took place around 5:18 p.m. close to mile marker 313, about 22 miles to the west of Walla Walla. Upon arrival, emergency service personnel encountered severe destruction involving two cars and several victims, highlighting the intensity of the collision.

The deceased individuals were named as 27-year-old Nashiely J. Bustamante and a 34-year-old man operating the family’s vehicle. Both adults perished at the site due to injuries incurred in the accident. Their six-month-old child was discovered in critical condition and was rushed by emergency medical staff to Kadlec Regional Medical Center located in Richland. Despite dedicated resuscitative efforts by the medical team, the baby ultimately passed away from his injuries, intensifying the sorrow and devastation surrounding the event.

Investigators revealed that the crash initiated when a 22-year-old individual from Benton City, identified later as Brandon T. McGary, drove a 2015 GMC Sierra heading west on U.S. Highway 12. The WSP noted that McGary’s vehicle collided with a guardrail, prompting him to overcorrect. The truck veered across the center line into the eastbound lanes, directly confronting the family’s 2005 Mercury Mariner. The two vehicles collided frontally, causing fatal results for the family involved.

Safety findings from the inquiry indicated that the infant was securely placed in a child safety restraint system at the time of the accident. However, officials indicated that neither adult in the family vehicle had their seatbelts on. Law enforcement frequently emphasizes that wearing seatbelts is one of the most essential elements in decreasing the likelihood of fatal injuries during serious accidents, especially in head-on impacts.

McGary sustained injuries due to the crash and was taken to a hospital for medical care. The Washington State Patrol has confirmed that he is facing potential charges as the investigation proceeds. Currently, officials have indicated that it is uncertain whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident. Additional evaluations, including toxicology tests and a thorough reconstruction of the event, are ongoing.

The demise of a whole young family has left the community of Moses Lake and beyond coping with significant sorrow. As investigators endeavor to ascertain responsibility, this tragic event stands as a poignant reminder of the perils present on roadways and the necessity for safe driving practices. In a season typically filled with optimism and happiness, this tragic incident has overshadowed that joy, leaving an indelible effect on all who learn of their story.