PARKLAND, Wash. — A young Spanaway man who was killed by a suspected drunk driver last week is being remembered as a loving son, brother, and father.
Court records show that 24-year-old Triston Smith was driving home when a car driven by 20-year-old Alan Eufracio-Vasquez crashed into Smith and pushed his car up against a telephone pole on Spanaway Loop in Parkland. Smith’s car was so damaged it was almost unrecognizable.
Court documents state that the deputy who responded could smell intoxicants on Eufracio-Vasquez’s breath and that the deputy believed he was intoxicated based on field sobriety testing. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department said a blood draw was taken, and toxicology results are pending.
Smith's mom said her 24-year-old son was known for his love for Jesus and others. He had sole custody of his 4-year-old daughter and they both lived with his mother.
“He was so good and pure-hearted,” said Stephanie Delano, Smith’s mother. “He loved helping his sisters and his brother out with athletics and schoolwork.”
Triston graduated from Spanaway Lake High School in 2018 and was a wrestler. He went on to go to Pierce College. He was a plumber and was also hoping to become a pastor. He was very involved in church groups in the area.
His family said he was a dedicated and loving father to his daughter, Izzy.
“He spoiled her,” smiled Delano. “He's spoiled her rotten.”
Early Friday morning Stephanie and her husband had a police officer come to their door.
“He said, ‘Your son is seriously injured. You need to go to the hospital now,’” said Delano, with tears in her eyes.
The crash happened just two minutes away from Triston’s home.
“He was almost home,” said Delano. “He was almost home.”
Smith died in the hospital two days later from his injuries.
The suspect, Eufracio-Vasquez, is charged with vehicular homicide and had bail set at $30,000. He is now home with an ankle monitor, something Triston’s family says is not fair.
"My son doesn't get to go home. He doesn't get to come home to us,” said Delano. “I don't get to see him walk through that door again. Izzy doesn't get her dad; they don't get their brother. He doesn't deserve to be home either."
Smith's family said the community has been supporting them and Izzy through this time.
“Oh, she's very much loved,” said Delano as she held Izzy in her arms.
Smith’s younger brother, who is in the sixth grade, said that his older brother has been a role model to him. He has coached him through wrestling and was always there to help him with math.
“The last thing we did, was he was helping me with my homework,” said Kristoffer Delano. “That is the last thing I ever did with him.”
His family said that they will keep his memory alive so that Izzy will always know how much her dad loves her, even from heaven.
“Just anytime something comes up that reminds us of him, to share it with her and keep his memory alive in the home, that won't ever fade,” said Delano.
His family said he continued to be a blessing to others after he died. They said he saved five lives through organ donation.
The suspect in the crash is expected to be back in court on Oct. 3.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family of Triston Smith care for Izzy and to help with funeral expenses.