Henderson, NV – January 8, 2024 – A mother and her two young sons are among the five victims in a pair of deadly crashes that rocked Henderson roads on Sunday. Deputy Chief Jonathan Boucher of the Henderson Police Department held a briefing on Monday afternoon, calling for responsible driving after a day of heartbreaking losses.

Tragic Noontime Collision:

The first crash unfolded near Mountain Vista Street and Sunset Road shortly after noon. A 2005 Malibu, traveling southbound in the northbound lanes, veered across the median, crashed into a building, and flipped onto its roof. The sole occupant, a 52-year-old man who has yet to be identified, tragically lost his life. While the investigation into the cause remains ongoing, authorities haven’t ruled out speed, impairment, or a medical episode as contributing factors.

Family Devastated in Evening Crash:

The second crash, at Lake Mead Parkway and Grand Cadence Drive just before 6 pm, struck an even deeper chord. A 38-year-old mother and her two sons, ages five and six, perished at the intersection. Deputy Chief Boucher attributed the crash to both speed and impairment and announced the arrest of 36-year-old Daryll Smith. Smith faces three counts of DUI resulting in death and one count of reckless driving.

Emotional Toll, Community Plea:

Boucher acknowledged the profound impact these incidents have on everyone involved, from police officers and paramedics to the broader community. “These distressing incidents underscore the critical importance of responsible driving,” he emphasized. “We implore our community: if you’re under the influence, use a sober driver, ride-share, or public transportation. There are many options to get home safely.”

Alarming Trend, Increased Enforcement:

Boucher expressed concern about a noticeable rise in drunk driving incidents in Henderson over the past year. In response, the department will be intensifying patrols and implementing targeted enforcement measures. “But enforcement alone cannot prevent tragedies,” he stated. “We implore every citizen to exercise caution and drive responsibly. Driving is the most dangerous activity we do daily, and we owe it to ourselves, our families, and our community to drive safely. Slow down, eliminate distractions, and your actions can truly help save lives.”

Credits: Fox 5 Vegas