2 JBLM troopers identified as men killed in wrong-way drunk driving crash in Pierce County

Two men who were killed in a wrong-way drunk driving crash Sunday have been identified as U.S. Army soldiers.

A 23-year-old Tacoma woman was driving east in the westbound lanes of State Route 512 when her vehicle struck another car around 2 a.m. There was a 19-month-old girl in the car with her, according to a Washington State Patrol. Press release.

The second vehicle was driven by Charles T Fairbairn, 29, of Georgia. Fairbairn and a passenger, Wendell T Cerio, 22 of Arizona, died at the scene. A 22-year-old man was also in Fairbairn's vehicle and survived his injuries.

The three men were soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, according to a military spokesperson.

“We are saddened to learn that two 7^th Soldiers from the Infantry Division died following an off-post vehicle accident on the morning of June 2, 2024. Another 7^th A soldier from the Infantry Division was admitted to hospital where he has since been released. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of these soldiers during this difficult time. This incident remains under investigation,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The woman was transported to Tacoma General Hospital for her injuries and the baby was taken to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Both are expected to survive, a previous News Tribune article reported.

Investigators believe the woman was driving under the influence and she is being investigated for two counts of vehicular homicide.