HERMISTON — A Hermiston boy has died from injuries he suffered in a three-vehicle crash Dec. 25 near Hermiston.

The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, Jan. 4, reported 10-year-old Anthony Jiovanni Guizar was a passenger in one of the three cars in the crash on Umatilla River Road near Cooney Lane outside Hermiston. He died from his injuries Dec. 30.

The sheriff’s office and Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 around 5 p.m. were the first to receive reports to respond to the emergency. The fire district upon arrival immediately requested additional resources due to the number of casualties, according to a report from the sheriff’s office. Oregon State Police and personnel from the police departments of Hermiston, Umatilla and Stanfield also responded.

The preliminary investigation revealed the sequence of events unfolded when a southbound 2008 Honda Accord collided with a northbound 1998 Honda Civic. The impact was substantial, according to the sheriff’s office, and led to a northbound 2005 Pontiac striking the Civic while attempting to avoid the Accord.

Raileen Cook, 23, of Hermiston, was driving the Accord; Brittni Mendoza, 24, of Hermiston, was driving the Civic; and Misti Whibeck, 47, also of Hermiston, was driving the Pontiac.

The sheriff’s office reported Cook is suspected of impaired driving.

The Accord had two passengers, Cook’s sons, ages 3 and 5. All three occupants suffered injuries.

The Civic had four passengers: Mendoza’s daughter, 19 months; Mendoza’s sister, Jennika Mendoza, 25, of Hermiston; and her daughter, 6, and son, Anthony.

All occupants suffered significant injuries. Despite receiving medical care at Legacy Randall’s Hospital for Children in Portland, Anthony succumbed to his injuries Dec. 30.

Whibeck was the sole occupant of the 2005 Pontiac. Police questioned and released her at the scene, with no reported injuries at the time.

The sheriff’s office reported the investigation into the deadly crash is ongoing.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences and unwavering support to the families affected by this tragedy,” the sheriff’s office reported. “Our gratitude goes out to the first responders and medical personnel who rendered immediate assistance and continue to provide support during the investigation.”