On Tuesday, July 18, the Camp Verde Marshal’s Office responded to the 700 block of West Finnie Flat Road in Camp Verde in regards to a check welfare on the residents.
Upon arrival, Deputies found two victims inside who were deceased. They were identified as 74-year old Martene J. Ross and her 48-year old son, Jessey W. Ross.
Both victims were taken to the Yavapai County Medical Examiner’s Officer for examination. Based upon the Medical Examiner’s Preliminary findings, the cause of death for Martene Ross is undetermined, while Jessey Ross suffered from a self-inflicted strangulation.
This investigation is pending toxicology reports along with the medical examiner’s final report.
Fatal Crash
In a seperate incident, at 6:16 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, Camp Verde Marshal’s Office deputies responded to a serious two-vehicle accident on State Route 260, at approximately milepost 215.3.
The accident was reported involving a tractor-trailer and a passenger transport van. Initial investigation at the scene indicates the tractor-trailer was headed eastbound with the van heading westbound when the collision occurred. The driver of the van was declared deceased at the scene.
The scene immediately became a multi-agency effort, with assistance from surrounding agencies including, the Copper Canyon Fire and Medical, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona Department of Transportation, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yavapai Apache Police Department.
At this time in the investigation, driver impairment of either driver is unknown, however it appears the driver of the van crossed the centerline striking the tractor-trailer.
This accident is still under investigation with assistance provided by DPS. Further details will be released as they are received form the investigations unit.
