9-year-old boy dies following suspected DUI crash involving uncle

TACOMA, Wash. — A 9-year-old boy who was a passenger in what police believe was a DUI crash caused by his uncle died Sunday night after being taken off life support at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.

Investigators said the victim's uncle, 26-year-old Jayce Randall, was drunk and high on marijuana when his vehicle crashed on westbound State Route 16 early Saturday morning.

Donovan Best, 9, and Randall were ejected from the car after it rolled over.  Best was taken to Mary Bridge Hospital in critical condition.

Randall was taken to Tacoma General in satisfactory condition.

Best’s 8-year-old sister, who was riding in the back seat, was not hurt.

The Washington State Patrol said Randall’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.

Police said Randall admitted to officers that he smoked marijuana and drank heavily before he got into the vehicle.

Best’s family told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Deborah Horne that the crash is the ultimate family tragedy.

“It’s awful. It’s the most horrific thing that I could ever imagine a family going through,” said Best’s aunt, Karrie Lewandowski.

“A mistake was made. Unfortunately, it is a tragic mistake. There’s nothing we can do to fix it now,” said Dale Lewandowski.

Troopers said charges against Randall will be upgraded to vehicular homicide.

KIRO