Young Moses Incident: Family from Moses Lake Dies in Head-On Collision on State Route 12 on Christmas Day

 Young Moses Incident – On December 25, 2025, a Moses Lake family faced a devastating incident on Christmas Day when a catastrophic head-on crash on State Route 12 in Walla Walla County resulted in the tragic loss of three family members. The collision took place around 5:15 p.m., roughly 22 miles to the west of Walla Walla, close to the Touchet region.

As reported by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the incident involved a pickup truck traveling west, operated by a 22-year-old from Benton City, and the family’s automobile heading eastward. It has been stated that the pickup hit a guardrail, leading the driver to make a sharp correction that caused him to enter the eastbound lanes. The subsequent impact was a head-on collision with the family vehicle. In an alarming development, the pickup reportedly ended up resting atop the family’s car, worsening the impact of the accident.

The deceased individuals have been confirmed as Gustavo Guzman-Gomez, aged 34, who was driving; Nashiely Bustamante, aged 27, a passenger; and their six-month-old infant, Giovanni Guzman-Bustamante. Officials have verified that both Guzman-Gomez and Bustamante were pronounced dead at the collision site. Their baby was rushed to the Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, where he ultimately passed away from his injuries, despite medical attempts to save him. Investigators highlighted that the infant was secured in a car seat, whereas the two adults were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The other motorist, a 22-year-old man from Benton City, was injured and received hospital treatment. Authorities have announced that charges may be forthcoming as they proceed with the investigation. WSP representatives indicated that initial assessments do not imply that alcohol, drugs, or weather conditions played a role, although inquiries continue to uncover the full details surrounding the accident.

In response to this tragic event, the community has united in support. A GoFundMe initiative has been launched to assist in covering the funeral and memorial costs for the Guzman-Gomez family. Friends, neighbors, and local residents have shared profound grief over the premature loss of this young family, emphasizing the tragedy’s significance for Moses Lake and nearby communities.

Traffic safety professionals note that head-on accidents rank as one of the most lethal forms of collisions, with a lack of seatbelt use considerably raising the danger of fatal harm. The Washington State Patrol continuously urges motorists to be vigilant, particularly during festive travel periods, and to adhere to safety protocols to avoid similar disasters.

This incident on Christmas Day starkly highlights the fragility of life and the critical nature of roadway safety. The community in Walla Walla County, along with the residents of Moses Lake, mourns the loss of Gustavo Guzman-Gomez, Nashiely Bustamante, and their son, baby Giovanni Guzman-Bustamante, remembering them as a young family whose lives were tragically ended too soon.

Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information about the crash to reach out to the Washington State Patrol to aid in the ongoing inquiry.