Update: Police investigating Fairmount Ravine mystery after injured woman found at roadside

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
Fairmount Avenue through the ravine south of Harbor Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic right now for a police investigation, after an injured woman was found by the side of the road this morning. Investigators at the scene aren’t commenting, so we have a message out to the on-call SPD media-relations detective, but in the meantime, here’s what the woman who found her has told us:

She and a friend were driving down Fairmount to go for a run on Alki when they spotted the woman alongside the road. She described the victim as unconscious and obviously injured. The victim also is a runner, she told us – easy to tell, from what she was wearing and from accessories on and near her. She was found around 7 am; someone else who went through the area an hour earlier didn’t see her, our source says, so it might have happened between 6 and 7 am.

Medics took the victim to Harborview Medical Center, where a nursing supervisor tells us she is still being evaluated in the ER, so there’s no further information on her condition. The woman who found her told us police were looking into the possibility it might be a case of hit and run, which would explain why the investigators we spotted at the scene were from the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad, which is summoned to crash scenes that result in major injuries (or worse). But again, they weren’t commenting – and it’s clearly early in the investigation. While we work to find out more about this, the woman who found the victim wants to remind their fellow runners: “Be careful, don’t run alone.” We’ll add updates when we find out more, and will be checking to see when Fairmount reopens.

ADDED 11:51 AM: Just talked to Det. Jeff Kappel from Seattle Police media relations. He says the victim is 54 and has life-threatening injuries. Investigators still do not know exactly what happened – likely involved some kind of vehicle (not necessarily a car), but Det. Kappel stresses they can’t rule anything out yet, so if you saw anyone in that area early this morning, especially someone who seemed to be speeding away, please call 911 and let them know – any and all potential tips appreciated. (Here’s what he published to SPD Blotter a short time ago.)

SUNDAY NIGHT NOTE: No break in the case yet – we will be checking again with SPD first thing in the morning, as well as with Harborview, where the victim remained in intensive care at last report. We also expect to have details tomorrow on a community-support run being planned by Athena and Julie, who found the victim (they talked with our friends at KING 5 today – here’s the story).

kayo June 8, 2013 (10:55 am)

This is so awful. :(

Alki Resident June 8, 2013 (11:09 am)

How do you not know you hit somebody?

Bsmomma June 8, 2013 (11:23 am)

I was out for my run this morning and saw everything going on down there from up above on Admiral. Thanks for the info I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. I hope she’s OK and they figure out what happened.

Norma June 8, 2013 (11:38 am)

Hope she’s okay, as well. The Fairmount Ravine is a beautiful place to walk, run, or ride a bike but the road isn’t that wide and some parts are more isolated. If you run into any kind of trouble it’s a little hard to get help. I used to walk to the beach on that road but I wouldn’t do it alone any more. I’m praying for this woman’s healing.

SH June 8, 2013 (12:00 pm)

I live on Fairmount and have run up and down it many, many times, as it’s beautiful and really great hill work for runners. This makes me so, so sad. Sending this fellow runner healing thoughts and hoping she pulls through.

LM June 8, 2013 (12:32 pm)

Thankfully someone saw this woman and acted quickly. I hope it gives her a fighting chance. Sending healing thoughts her way.

Shannon Holt June 8, 2013 (12:37 pm)

Sending up lots of prayers for this woman!! Breaks my heart that a morninG run can end this way. Holding every one of my running buds closer today (especially my two dear friends who found her).

Bonnie June 8, 2013 (12:37 pm)

I’m so glad the two women drove by and found her! This is so sad and scary.

Dolly June 8, 2013 (12:39 pm)

Sending thoughts of healing and comfort to this fellow runner and her family. Also a huge “thank you” to the caring women that stopped to render assistance.
It troubles me that we are seldom safe even doing something as innocent and healthy as running alone.

karen June 8, 2013 (12:39 pm)

Praying for a full recovery. Did she have ID so her family can be with her?

WSB June 8, 2013 (12:44 pm)

Karen – I believe so; the person who contacted us knew her name, and I am pretty sure that’s how. We will of course not publish a name here unless we for example hear from a family member who would want the community to know who she is.

Christopher Boffoli June 8, 2013 (12:53 pm)

It enrages me that there are people in my community that could hit and possibly kill others but are too selfish, callous and probably loaded to either stop and call for help or take responsibility for what they have done. Incidents like these are why I support surveillance cameras. So we can catch these scumbags.

miws June 8, 2013 (1:12 pm)

Sending healing thoughts to this woman, and all who love her.

Huge thanks to the women who rendered aid.

Mike

jiggers June 8, 2013 (1:18 pm)

That is scary stuff.

hooliganFC June 8, 2013 (1:37 pm)

I have waked/jogged that road many many times over the years but each time I felt like there was a real chance I could get whacked – if not by a car or truck then perhaps by a troll living under the bridge. Good place for a reflective vest. Prayers going out to the victim.

enviromaven June 8, 2013 (1:39 pm)

Amen to Mike’s comment. Hoping she pulls through.

Morgan June 8, 2013 (2:08 pm)

I agree Christopher, this is what the cameras will help solve, not to mention deter crime on Alki. My thoughts are with the victim, family and friends.

flimflam June 8, 2013 (2:52 pm)

terrible thing to do – cause major injury and leave the person alone in the street…

hopefully justice will be served. hopefully the slime that did this have sleepless nights until they turn themselves in.

Norma June 8, 2013 (3:02 pm)

I agree about the cameras as well. I’ve been in favor of them from since they were first installed and hope we get more.

sardine June 8, 2013 (3:59 pm)

Cameras, yes. By now the police would be making a house call to the person who did this.

Mike June 8, 2013 (4:32 pm)

If your neighbor came home this morning, emptied the garage, and pulled her/his vehicle in, call the cops.

WTF June 8, 2013 (5:09 pm)

That is awful news. We’re praying for her. I so hope that whomever hit her truly didn’t know; hate to believe someone would drive off potentially ending her life.

Julie Ambrose June 8, 2013 (5:33 pm)

This was the most horrible thing I have ever had to witness–I was first to arrive and call 911. I have thought of little else all day. I know that not everyone has a running buddy, and some love to run alone, but I would urge others to stick to the populated areas if you are alone. My thoughts go out to this woman and her family–I hope that they were quickly contacted and able to be with her. Also praying for healing–both physically and from the fear that this type of trauma causes.

Bsmomma June 8, 2013 (5:33 pm)

I’m totally on board for cameras! Sucks but that is what our world has come to.

West Seattle Hipster June 8, 2013 (5:58 pm)

Thank you Julie Ambrose for saving this person’s life.

Athena June 8, 2013 (6:22 pm)

I echo Julie’s sentiments. Was with her on the scene. Was such a sad, sad day! I have so many women friends who run in West Seattle and many alone and up that very stretch of road. Please be careful out there! My heart goes out to her & the family, sending prayers their way.

Also- just to note how important it is to tell people where you are running AND to carry an ID. The medics quickly figured out who she was by Facebook on her phone. Lots of love to her and the family..

ad June 8, 2013 (8:26 pm)

Any update on how she’s doing? I’m sickened by the thought of someone hitting her and leaving. This person better get caught, or turn themselves in. Sick sick sick. I wonder if the driver lives in WS? Are they reading the WSB right now?

If the runner’s family is reading this, please let her know we are rooting for her recovery!

2u June 8, 2013 (8:28 pm)

Julie, you are a hero that gives the community hope. Healing to you and her!

West Seattle Since 1979 June 8, 2013 (9:47 pm)

Sending healing thoughts. I hope they can catch the person who did this.

Heather June 8, 2013 (10:49 pm)

I’m sending positive thoughts to this woman and her family. I’m so glad she was found and received aid as soon as possible. Such a terrible tradegy.

Alkidoc June 8, 2013 (11:24 pm)

This happened a few yards from my driveway! :( sadly all in the house were asleep at the time and did not witness anything except the police blockade going up Fairmount at 8am.
I really hope whoever hit her will think this through and come clean.

N Admiral June 9, 2013 (12:00 am)

Julie and Athena, thank you for being part of our community. Thank you for stopping to assist this woman.
I hope the injured runner survives, and will run again someday.
Prayers to each of you for healing.

ACG June 9, 2013 (12:17 am)

How awful. Any word on her condition?

on Fairmount June 9, 2013 (7:27 am)

I live on Fairmount in the small neighborhood between the water and Admiral bridge. The news people who were still here last night said that she is still in serious condition (10pm).

So many people use this small street, on foot, on bikes, on segues/segways (the tours come through here 2-3 times a day), and by car.

**Concern: those who use Fairmount as a very fast cut-through between Admiral District and Harbor Ave / Alki.**

One person even hit a garbage truck a few years ago!

Please, on your way to work or school, or on your way to the beach or home, take a moment to slow down on small streets that seem empty.

Thank you, and let’s keep praying for the victim.

emcat8 June 9, 2013 (12:51 pm)

Don’t expect whoever hit her to be caught. As sickening as it is, the likelihood is small. I had a friend who was run down and killed, and the cops basically didn’t do much beyond recover the stolen car that they believed he was hit with. His family was devastated, all of us who were his friends. He had started and owned many small business that employed lots of people over the years. But basically the detectives shrugged and told his wife and kids that unless one of the guys who did it told someone else and they dropped a dime on that person, they’d never be caught.

Salamander June 9, 2013 (1:19 pm)

emcat8..please save your blame for the hit and run driver, not the police. Without a witness, video cameras or hard evidence there’s very little they can do unless the driver comes forward or someone turns him/her in. No magic wand..

will o wisp June 9, 2013 (6:02 pm)

The person who was hit works with my wife. She is a strong wonderful woman.

Kip June 9, 2013 (6:49 pm)

Wishing this woman well and good strength to heal.
As for the cameras and the people who are in favor of them….
What your talking about is a camera on every street corner in front of every store, house, resteraunt, park, etc… Cameras don’t save/help people. People Help People. Be aware, alert and willing to help someone in need. The ladies who stopped to help this woman are examples of this. Thank you for helping a stranger in need.
So often people continue on past. Ask yourself what you would have done. Have you passed by someone In need? Stopped on the road or otherwise? We need to pull together people. She was so fortunate that someone was there to help her. Or I mean too bad the 50+ cameras we had allotted for this stretch of road hasn’t been approved yet. Ruining the natural sceney and our privacy. People who bike, walk & run this road do so for a reason. It’s because it’s quiet and scenic like a forest within a city. Free from a lot of traffic, people, & cameras. This was an isolated incident with a “driver” that had not ethical boundaries. Maybe instead we should install cameras inside all cars? Perhaps you all in favor would prefer this! You’ll be the first’s to volunteer, I’m sure.

Michelle June 9, 2013 (7:14 pm)

This should be a reminder as well, while I agree it’s the driver who hit her to be blamed. Often I see joggers with their Ipod headphones in both ears and tuning the rest of the world out while they jog. While it seems like a nice idea, you can’t tune the world out like that when you are on a road. I see them so often and I worry about them. Use just one or keep the volume down. Sometimes being able to hear what’s coming up from behind you can give you time to move in case the driver doesn’t see you!

another runner June 9, 2013 (7:54 pm)

I was nearly hit in a marked crosswalk at a 4-way stop on Wildwood near the ferry this afternoon, with cars coming from other directions already stopped, so no excuse for not seeing me nearly 2/3 across. (Also, I am not a fast jogger.) After briefly stopping for me when I raised my arms so she would look directly at me, this middle-aged woman in a red Jeep sped expressionless through the intersection and zoomed up Brace Pt Drive. Are these the same drivers who gun it to scare bicyclists? Even when we are carefully observing the rules of the road, we are vulnerable. I am praying for the complete recovery of this strong, wonderful woman who was hit on Fairmount.

Noname June 9, 2013 (8:05 pm)

Cameras and more speed bumps. Real ones not the wide ones that are there now. More than 2. What does the community have to do to get this done? Any ideas anyone?

WSB June 9, 2013 (8:14 pm)

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, West Seattle resident, chairs the City Council Transportation Committee. He’d be a good person to ask. There are also processes involving community grants – but those don’t move that quickly; it often takes a few years between application and installation. Do ravine residents consider themselves more part of Admiral or Alki? Both have community councils, which can be assets in making something happen along those lines…

Tracy White June 9, 2013 (8:18 pm)

Second to Kip’s post. Cameras only *maybe* catch what has happened and don’t prevent things. It’s a false safety.
.
Also, let’s also not forget that whomever hit this woman might not be totally immoral – they may have been scared S-less and panicked. It is far too easy to demonize others when the reality may be murkier and also tragic. Note that this is not an attempt to excuse or minimize what they did, but to challenge people to not always assume that these are caused by inherently bad people.

furor scribendi June 9, 2013 (8:33 pm)

Sorry, Tracy White, I don’t give five hoots if the perp was scared or frightened post-collision. Compared to the woman jogger, the perp got off easy. It is proper to judge the perp by their actions, in this case leaving a critically injured person to die by the side of the road without recourse to first aid, rendering any assistance, or even calling 911 or telling a friend to enlist help. If that isn’t the definition of a person without a conscience, what some might call an “inherently bad person”, then what is?

Peanut June 9, 2013 (8:39 pm)

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to this woman, her family, and the running community who often do blissfully run without a care thinking everyone clearly must see us, right? I run Fairmont regularly and always feel creeped out for a second or two. In the name of this dear woman, I pledge to be more alert and always carry my ID. Thinking of her all weekend, and praying for a full recovery.

Noname June 9, 2013 (9:00 pm)

Disagree Tracy. Cameras are a deterrent by their very presence. If you get a red light ticket from a camera system you know what I am talking about. Also should the road have a number of known cameras on it, if you hit someone and you are scared s-less, then it will persuade you that it’s a good idea to help, stick around and own up to your action. Regardless if it actually caught you in the act or not. The jogger’s family might just agree with this.

facelessmarketing June 9, 2013 (11:41 pm)

Is there any update on this woman’s condition. Will O wisp you said your wife works with her. Can you give us an update if any?

Worms Roxxane, I'm afraid of worms June 10, 2013 (8:09 am)

Our thoughts and prayers go out to this woman and her family.

We often ride or run Fairmont for training because it is so lush and cool when it is hot, and because it is such a beautiful ravine. I did it yesterday to personally remind myself that this is our neighborhood and our roads and this horrible accident is not going to deter us from using them.

Is it just me or has Alki/Admiral traffic has gotten more aggressive and lawless this year? I feel like there is much more hard accelerating, illegal u turns, speeding, noise ordinance violations, passing on double yellow, passing on the right, ect.

I feel a few weekends/evenings of intense traffic law enforcement might begin to deter some of these dangerous motorist and be an high value use of SPD resources to benefit the local residents and recreationalists.

goodgraces June 10, 2013 (8:59 am)

Thinking of this woman and all who love her this morning and hoping for good news soon.

AM June 10, 2013 (9:16 am)

I often walk on that road since i live a few blocks away behind the high school. Cars FLY up and down that stretch. It’s ridiculous some of the speeds i’ve seen. Most tend to slam on their brakes when they see me, but some blow right past, oblivious that there are pedestrians there. I’ve actually yelled at cars to slow down :) It’s a scary hill and after this incident, i don’t know that i’ll be walking that way anymore. My thoughts and prayers with the victim. Hope she makes a full recovery.

El Gato Grande June 10, 2013 (11:16 am)

I plan to ride, walk or run that hill every day this week. If I witness a vehicle driving recklessly I will call 911 immediately, with make, model, license number and direction of travel. I was told by SPD that is a valid and encouraged use of 911 as this is considered a immediate threat to public safety.

These are our roads and I personally refuse to be intimidated into not using them.

Sarah June 10, 2013 (11:32 am)

I’m also a neighbor who lives adjacent to this space. It saddens me deeply that someone was hurt so gravely there.

I help organize the Fairmount Preservation Group that cleans the space annually. This year over 40 wonderful neighbors participated.

I would like to help prevent this kind of tragedy in the future.

Dennis June 10, 2013 (12:27 pm)

As tragic and unsettling as this event is, I’m surprised at the support for more cameras everywhere. In my opinion, this country has already moved too far to become a Surveillance State. Many cities are getting rid of those red light cameras as people feel its infringement on their rights.

I’m also surprised at how reticent the police are in getting facts out to the public.
Everyone seems to be reporting this is a hit and run. But I haven’t seen the police refer to skid marks, marks on the victim’s body, or other evidence that is the case. Are we to assume its true? Sure I understand its an open investigation, but we should be able to know something.

will o wisp June 10, 2013 (3:45 pm)

I have no direct knowledge and cannot say anything for certain. But my wife who works with the woman, is more hopeful today then she was yesterday.

WSB June 10, 2013 (4:24 pm)

Will – we updated the story separately and she is now listed in serious condition, which is better than critical condition, in which I have been told she was listed earlier, so that seems to correlate your wife’s perception. If she is in touch with the victim’s loved ones, please send our best wishes. – TR

phil dirt June 11, 2013 (6:52 am)

There are people out there who would do this on purpose.

Her Sister June 11, 2013 (9:12 am)

Thanks to all for the well wishes. She is still in serious condition; recovery will be a long, slow process. To Julie and Athena, I cannot express enough gratitude for the help you gave my sister. You saved her life! Our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts. Know that we will be there in spirit for the run on Saturday!

WSB June 11, 2013 (9:16 am)

Thank you, ‘Sister,’ for letting us know. If there are any other updates along the way, or any help the community can be asked to provide, please contact us at any time – editor@westseattleblog.com, 206-293-6302 .. Tracy

Athena June 11, 2013 (10:12 am)

“her sister” Thank you SO much for the report back, Julie & I are sick with worry. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers since Saturday and I will continue to keep you there until she has fully recovered. Sending lots of love & healing to all of you!!

Truthteller June 12, 2013 (12:59 pm)

My heart goes out to this woman and her family. Thank you so much to the women who spotted her and stopped. I have lived at the top of the hill for 54 years and use this road as short cut to the beach. I still walk up and down it frequently but never alone. I am always amazed at the bravery of the young women alone on that road given that we have several homeless {1 registered sex offender} living in the woods there. Most of these people are too young or to new to remember Penny Hadingham was murdered by hanging in that gully in the 60’s. I love the gully but I will never forget. I have seen the traffic change in the last 5 years from the occasional car to at least 10 going up and down in the short span of time it takes me to walk to the top. My friend and I are always trying to decide which side we should walk on. As I always post on the WSB “what are we going to do when they build the next 1,500 apartment units presently permitted in WS?” What are we going to do with all those cars? Are we going to try and stop any more apartment building here? Or are we just going to stand by and let the city permit another 2 to 3,000 units? All other urban density neighborhoods have multiple ways out. We have the One Funnel to two bridges and WMarginal, and south end streets to multiple S. freeways. Traffic is out of control now, wait 3 more years. Vehicles are using the gully road to shortcut to Alki to avoid the Admiral Way line to the bridge in the morning. This is heartbreaking to watch.

jill June 13, 2013 (5:05 pm)

I want to thank Athena and Julie for the care and compassion you gave to a wonderful woman I have known for many years. She has devoted her life to helping others with grace and humor and love.