Twins Killed by "Impaired" Driver Carrying AA Brochure in His Car
In a devastating loss for one Washington family, 17-year-old twin sisters Janeah and Janesah Goheen of Oak Harbor were killed after a Halloween night crash severely damaged their vehicle. Janeah was killed instantly, but Janesah lived 11 more days, dying Monday afternoon at Harborview Medical Center.
The twins' pastor, Russel Schlect, told KIRO-7 that those 11 days were the longest the twins had ever been apart.
The twins had been driving to a haunted house in Seattle on Halloween when 53-year-old Ira Blackstock crossed the centerline on Highway 20 in his Mustang and slammed into their car. Police say he appeared to have been accelerating at the time of impact.
When investigators arrived on the scene, they reported that Blackstock, who only suffered minor injuries, showed signs of impairment. Blackstock was arrested and remains in jail, charged with vehicular homicide and assault. Found in the backseat of his Mustang at the crash site were a Bible and an Alcoholics Anonymous pamphlet.
In an even more heartbreaking twist of fate, the Goheen family lost a third daughter, 23-year-old Jessica Goheen Thorn, in a May 2008 car accident.
The Goheen family had been planning a Saturday memorial service for Janeah, but now Janesah will also be buried with her sister. "As awful as it is," said Schlect, "I'm glad they're together right now."
