FOLLOWUP: 35th/Avalon collision survivor still in hospital

(WSB photo from last Friday night(

Many have asked if there’s any update on the man who suffered life-threatening injuries when hit by a driver on 35th north of Avalon last Friday night. We asked Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Ron Smith at last night’s Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council meeting (separate meeting report to come), and he checked for us this morning. He says the 35-year-old victim remains at Harborview Medical Center, listed in serious condition. The man was trying to cross at mid-block when the driver, northbound, hit him, per SPD’s online update later that night, after the road was reopened following 3-plus hours of investigation. Witnesses rushed in to do CPR even before authorities arrived.

13 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: 35th/Avalon collision survivor still in hospital"

  • Tamsen Spengler June 12, 2018 (2:18 pm)

    Thanks for the update. 

  • NW June 12, 2018 (2:48 pm)

    Just yesterday noticed someone crossing in same place from 7 11 over to Taco Time both are a magnet for consumers. Not victim blaming but I carry with me a light hand held point it slightly away from ground to alert traffic around me while out walking now, anytime time of day. 

  • Chemist June 12, 2018 (3:05 pm)

    I hope this person has a chance to recover.  This section of 35th N of Edmunds has a history of vulnerable road users being hurt.  From the 35th Ave SW project:

    • WSB June 12, 2018 (3:12 pm)

      If you tried to add an image there, please use a URL instead. For some reason user-uploaded images aren’t currently showing in comments and we haven’t been able to fix the problem. Thanks.

    • Chemist June 12, 2018 (3:14 pm)

      I’m not sure why pictures I upload don’t show, but that was the top half of slide 14 from here.

  • North Admiral Guuy June 12, 2018 (3:24 pm)

    Not to be classified as “that guy” but the driver does not face any legal consequences in this scenario correct?? Just wondering, also if this ever happens to me. 

    • WSB June 12, 2018 (3:35 pm)

      TCI investigations usually aren’t closed for months so it’s way too soon to say.

  • Yma June 12, 2018 (3:47 pm)

    35th is a very busy arterial. Please take the time to cross at a corner with a light.yes, I will try to stop for you at a corner crossing – but light is best.

  • MJ June 12, 2018 (5:53 pm)

    ChemistI have reviewed accident data from SDoT on 35th between Avalon and Fauntleroy in the past and the data does not indicate any apparent issues.  Pedestrians have signalized crossings at both Avalon and at Fauntleroy.MJ

    • Chemist June 12, 2018 (9:16 pm)

      6 of the 15 pedestrian-vehicle collisions on 35th, in the 3 years prior to the 35th Ave project and between Fauntleroy and either Morgan or Roxbury, were in the two blocks between Alaska and Fauntleroy.  It seems a bit disproportionate.The following is in the “Background” section for the 35th Ave SW Before and After report/draft that I PDR’ed.

      Safety on 35th Avenue SW has been a long-time concern for residents who hosted rallies several times over the years to bring attention to their concerns about speeding and pedestrian safety. After touring the street with a city councilmember, the Seattle Pedestrian Advisory Board wrote a letter to the Department of Transportation requesting significant changes to the roadway. The West Seattle Transportation Coalition and the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce also listed safety on 35th Avenue SW as their top priority in 2011 stating: “Making substantial improvements to 35th Avenue SW was identified as the highest priority for the West Seattle Transportation Coalition and the community, through responses received from the West Seattle Blog. 

    • KM June 12, 2018 (9:55 pm)

      What they don’t often have, however is the guarantee that drivers are looking for them as try to take an unprotected left turns across one to two lanes of busy traffic (depending on direction) at Avalon. While not related to this collision, protected left turns are needed at that intersection to protect pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. 

      • Ice June 12, 2018 (11:56 pm)

        Yes, I’d never looked at it that way before but the no protected left turns thing really makes walking suck a bit more. 35th and Morgan doesn’t have protected left turns either and it really sucks.  Cars tend turn on and off those roads quickly and aggressively, especially in heavy traffic, and that makes crossing feel super uncomfortable when you are a pedestrian.

  • T June 12, 2018 (10:56 pm)

    Enforcement or education is sorely needed at this intersection for all modes of transportation. I’ve asked for it in the past. 

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