Grandmother was taking treats to her ‘grandbabies’ when she died in Richland crash
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- A Richland grandmother taking treats to grandchildren died after a crash.
- Her 8-year-old granddaughter in the backseat got out of the wrecked car on Highway 240.
- GoFundMe is raising money for memorial service and to help family.
A Richland grandmother was taking Slurpees to her grandchildren when her Subaru was hit by a semi on the bypass highway in Richland, killing her Friday, according to a GoFundMe.
One of Teresa Weers’ grandchildren was in the car with her when they stopped to buy Slurpees at 7-Eleven and were bringing them to her daughter’s five other kids, according to the online fundraiser posted by her family.
Weers, 58, who also was known by the last name Leckenby, died before she could be taken to a hospital. Her 8-year-old granddaughter riding in the backseat was hurt and taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening.
“... (S)he remembers everything,” her mother, Samantha Michael, posted in the GoFundMe.
“She knew something bad had happened and jumped out in the middle of the bypass,” Michael said. “A kind woman got her to safety, and my brave daughter gave her my phone number.”
After picking up the Slurpees, Weers drove on Duportail Street to Highway 240, and started to turn left on a green light, according to Michael.
The Subaru Outback was hit by a semi heading north on the highway about 8:20 p.m., driven by Micheal Tekeste Asgodom, 46, of Shoreline, Wash. The semi was hauling an Amazon trailer.
The Washington State Police said the truck driver did not obey a traffic signal and charges against him are pending. Drugs and alcohol were not believed to be factors in the crash, according to the WSP.
“My momma was my hero,” Michael said. “She was a giver, and she loved her family with everything she had.”
Bringing Slurpees to the grandkids was in character for her.
“She loved her grandchildren more than life itself,” Michael posted. “... Grandma would never come without a surprise for her grandbabies.”
The post said her family is trying to stay strong as they grieve their loss and help her granddaughter heal from the trauma of what she saw.
Money raised by the GoFundMe will help pay for funeral expenses and support for the family.
“If you cannot donate, that’s okay,” Michael posted. “My mom was the kind of person who would say that if you could just look both ways when you’re at a light, even when it turns green, that would mean more than any dollar amount.”
The GoFundMe was also signed by Weers’ husband, Joe Leckenby, and her son, identified only as Brandon.
To donate, go to bit.ly/4ewF1A5.
This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 3:41 PM.