At about 7:50 AM wednesday morning, Yavapai County Sheriff Office deputies were dispatched to a traffic accident on Outer Loop Road at approximately milepost 2.5, between Reed Road and Williamson Valley Road. Two sedan type vehicles were involved in an apparent head on collision. A silver colored vehicle contained only the driver, while a turquoise colored vehicle contained a driver and three passengers.
The four occupants travelling together in the turquoise vehicle, a 2005 Chevrolet Aveo, are identified as Julianna Hersh, 23, Joseph Hersh, 15, Jeremiah Hersh, 13 and Jess Hersh, 9 years of age. Julianna, who was driving the Chevrolet, and Jess (a young girl) were pronounced deceased at the scene. Jeremiah was transported to a hospital in Phoenix and has died. Joseph was airlifted to Flagstaff Medical Center and is expected to survive. The Hersh family is from Chino Valley, AZ.
The solo driver in the silver 2007 Subaru is identified as 63-year-old Elaine Anderson of Prescott, AZ. She was flown to Flagstaff Medical Center and is expected to survive.
Outer Loop Road was re-opened earlier this afternoon. The cause of this tragic accident remains under active investigation with YCSO accident reconstruction specialists. Details will be updated when provided to the media office.