Young Moses Accident – On Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, tragedy struck a Moses Lake family when a devastating head-on collision on State Route 12 in Walla Walla County claimed the lives of three family members. The accident occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m., about 22 miles west of Walla Walla near the Touchet area.
According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the crash involved a westbound pickup truck driven by a 22-year-old man from Benton City and the family’s vehicle traveling eastbound. The pickup reportedly struck a guardrail, causing the driver to overcorrect and veer into the eastbound lanes. The vehicle then collided head-on with the family’s car. In a shocking turn, the pickup reportedly came to rest on top of the family’s vehicle, exacerbating the severity of the crash.
The victims have been identified as Gustavo Guzman-Gomez, 34, the driver; Nashiely Bustamante, 27, the passenger; and their six-month-old son, Giovanni Guzman-Bustamante. Authorities confirmed that Guzman-Gomez and Bustamante died at the scene. Their infant son was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, where he later succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save him. Investigators noted that the child was restrained in a car seat, but the two adults were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision.
The other driver, a 22-year-old man from Benton City, sustained injuries and was hospitalized. Authorities have indicated that charges are pending as the investigation continues. WSP officials stated that preliminary findings do not suggest that alcohol, drugs, or weather were contributing factors, though the investigation remains ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.
The community has rallied in response to this heartbreaking loss. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover funeral and memorial expenses for the Guzman-Gomez family. Friends, neighbors, and community members have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the young family, highlighting the tragedy’s impact on Moses Lake and surrounding areas.
Traffic safety experts note that head-on collisions are among the deadliest types of accidents, and failure to wear seatbelts significantly increases the risk of fatal injuries. Washington State Patrol continues to remind drivers to exercise caution, especially during holiday travel periods, and to follow safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies.
This Christmas Day accident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of roadway safety. The Walla Walla County community, along with residents of Moses Lake, mourn the loss of Gustavo Guzman-Gomez, Nashiely Bustamante, and baby Giovanni Guzman-Bustamante, remembering them as a young family whose lives were cut tragically short.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the crash to contact the Washington State Patrol to assist with the ongoing investigation.
