(Gilbert, AZ) Two women and a dog were killed Friday night, September 19, in a Recker Road collision after an alleged drunk driver sped through a red light and slammed into a rideshare vehicle.
According to the Gilbert Police Department, the crash occurred just before 9 p.m. at the intersection of Recker and Ray roads. Investigators said Robb Hintzsche, 35, drove an SUV at an estimated 89 to 96 miles per hour. At some point, he ran a red light and collided with a rideshare driver’s car in the intersection.
The impact caused the rideshare vehicle to spin and strike a pole. Paramedics determined Nicole Snell, 36, the driver, and Marisa Jorgenson, 33, the passenger. Snell’s dog, Bellini also died at the scene.
Police said Hintzsche’s blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit at the time of the crash. He was hospitalized following the collision and taken into custody on November 27 after his release.
Overview on the Recker Road Collision
In DUI fatal crashes like this one, investigators typically review several major Arizona traffic laws. The DUI Law prohibits operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the driver’s blood alcohol concentration exceeds 0.08%, or when impairment affects safe operation — a standard clearly exceeded in this case.
The Red-Light Violation Law requires drivers to stop before entering an intersection when facing a steady red signal. Running a red light at high speeds dramatically increases the severity of collisions, often leading to fatalities.
Additionally, the Reckless Driving Law defines operating a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of others. Driving at nearly twice the posted speed while impaired meets this definition and can lead to serious criminal charges, including vehicular homicide.
These statutes will help prosecutors and investigators determine criminal responsibility in the Recker Road collision.
Support for the Families
The families of Nicole Snell and Marisa Jorgenson should stay in contact with the Gilbert Police Department for updates on the criminal case. Once the official collision report is released, they can request a copy of it. This report will be vital in understanding the evidence collected and the charges filed.
In addition, families affected by fatal DUI crashes may be eligible for victim compensation. It can assist with funeral expenses, medical costs, and counseling.
It may also be beneficial to consult a wrongful-death attorney experienced in DUI cases to explore potential civil claims against the at-fault driver.
Above all, take time to seek emotional and community support. The Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Arizona chapter offers free counseling, legal guidance, and survivor resources for families coping with the devastating aftermath of impaired driving crashes like the Recker Road accident.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
