UPDATE: West Seattle High School student killed in crash at 99/509/Cloverdale

11:21 PM: The State Patrol and other agencies are dealing with a deadly one-vehicle crash at the Cloverdale overpass where 509/99 meet – avoid the area. The crash brought down a big sign – see the WSP-tweeted photo above – and Trooper Rick Johnson says that’ll mean a long closure on the NB side. More as we get it.

11:39 PM: Thanks to the reader who texted this wider view:

A nearby resident says the driver hit the pole at high speed. [map]

12:49 AM: Still closed.

7:30 AM: As noted elsewhere, NB is still closed as crews deal with the sign. SB reopened overnight. Meantime, WSP’s media update says the driver was a 17-year-old Seattle resident.

UPDATE: The 99/509 crash scene has reopened as of 8:33 am.

2:26 PM: Seattle Public Schools has confirmed what was first reported in comments below – that the victim was a West Seattle High School student. Here’s the letter WSHS principal Brian Vance has just sent to families:

Dear West Seattle High School families,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news that one of our students, Jonathan Teso-Rueda was killed in a car accident on Thursday night. Jonathan was a bright, talented and well-liked student at West Seattle High School. His sense of humor and big, caring heart will be missed. As a community, I know we will come together to not only support Jonathan’s family, but one another.

We will have counselors available at West Seattle High School on Monday, July 9 from 9 am-12 pm for students needing support or wanting to be with their friends on campus.

When someone dies, particularly suddenly, it’s normal for children and teens to have different kinds of feelings and reactions. Parents and guardians have important roles in helping students understand about death.

Here are some suggestions for how to help students

• Stick to facts. Answer questions factually.
• Remain calm and reassuring. Students take their cues from their parents and adults.
• Be a good listener and observer. Pay attention to changes in behavior.
• Be especially loving and supportive; children and teens need you even more at this time.

We recognize that even if your student may not have known or been close to Jonathan, or his family, he/she may still feel a strong reaction. We also realize this may be your student’s first experience with death or it may trigger feelings about other deaths your child may have experienced. This is an opportunity for students and families to acknowledge their grief and express their feelings about a sudden loss for which they have no control over.

Please take care and we will share information about any events to support students, staff and families if and/or when they become available.

Brian Vance
Principal
West Seattle High School

29 Replies to "UPDATE: West Seattle High School student killed in crash at 99/509/Cloverdale"

  • Alki resident July 5, 2018 (11:40 pm)

    I’m just seeing video of this. Absolutely heartbreaking.

  • Robb July 5, 2018 (11:41 pm)

    Earlier Saw a bedraggled man pushing a manual lawnmower up that on-ramp. Hopefully not related…

    • AMD July 6, 2018 (10:47 am)

      You can rest easy, Robb.  It seems INCREDIBLY unlikely that a man pushing a lawnmower on a nearby on-ramp would cause someone to speed up and drive off a road a few hundred feet away.  Most drivers slow down when they see pedestrians.On topic: my heart goes out to this young man’s family and friends.  Sudden loss is never easy, but it’s even harder when the victim is so young…

  • Trickycoolj July 6, 2018 (6:54 am)

    Updates? Is it open for AM commute?

    • WSB July 6, 2018 (7:00 am)

      As of four minutes ago, WSDOT tweeted “The S Cloverdale St on-ramp to NB SR 99 is back open. However, all lanes of NB SR 99 remain closed @ Des Moines Memorial Dr/14th Ave S. Continue to avoid the area!”

      • Trickycoolj July 6, 2018 (7:08 am)

        Nothing is very clear about the off ramps. Is the detour over the S Park Bridge? 

        • WSB July 6, 2018 (7:25 am)

          Well, it depends on where you’re going and where you’re coming from. It appears that people can route through South Park and get back to 99 from Cloverdale (bottom of the Highland Park Way hill) if you’re going downtown or further north.

  • westseaytle July 6, 2018 (10:47 am)

    The teen was my friend, he went to west Seattle high school going into senior year.

    • Bonnie July 6, 2018 (11:22 am)

      I’m so sorry for your loss Westseaytle.

  • anonymous July 6, 2018 (11:13 am)

    His name was Jonathon Teso and he was going to be a senior at West Seattle High School

    • WSB July 6, 2018 (11:27 am)

      The State Patrol release, which said next of kin had been notified, had the name Jonathan Tesorueda.

      • Alki resident July 6, 2018 (1:01 pm)

        He went by Jonathan Teso. 

    • Alki resident July 6, 2018 (12:06 pm)

      What? No

      • Student July 6, 2018 (1:27 pm)

        He goes by Teso but Tesorueda is his last name. Miss you bro❤️

  • Kayo July 6, 2018 (11:29 am)

    My heart goes out to this boy’s family and friends. 

  • LyndaB July 6, 2018 (11:41 am)

    What sad news.  Praying for the family and friends.

  • Sabella July 6, 2018 (2:05 pm)

    Really such a tragedy… keeping his family and loved ones in my thoughts. 

  • Sabrina July 6, 2018 (2:08 pm)

    Miss you so much teso

  • Doree Fazio-Young July 6, 2018 (2:52 pm)

    Its always so sad to lose a child Prayers and love go out to his Family and Friends and the Staff of West Seattle High School

  • FijiBuckets July 6, 2018 (3:16 pm)

    Love you Teso 🙏 Rest Easy My Guy💙I miss you so much !

  • OP July 6, 2018 (4:12 pm)

    Terrible loss for his family and friends. May the peace and grace of God be with all of them.

  • Beth July 6, 2018 (4:32 pm)

    Excellent letter! ❤️

  • bb July 6, 2018 (4:51 pm)

    Weat Seattle High School has been hit really hard the past several months with the passing of Avery, former student Mohammed Jelani and now Jonathan. My heart goes out to the staff and students of WSHS! 😔😢

  • William July 6, 2018 (7:08 pm)

    Rest easy bra

  • Alki Bee July 6, 2018 (8:02 pm)

    So very sorry for his family and friends.

  • WSHS mom July 6, 2018 (9:48 pm)

    My heart breaks for this family. May God and our community help you through this tragic time. 

  • Andrea Lister-Pierce July 7, 2018 (12:14 am)

    Very sad! My heart goes out to friends and family regarding the loss of this young man. As a parent, my heart just breaks hearing this. Its a busy time of year. Considering age, time of night, experience driving, year end activities and that dark stretch of road it could have been he fell asleep at the wheel. God bless all who he touched during your time of mourning. #RIPJonathan Teso-Rueda You will be missed!

    • singer July 8, 2018 (1:43 am)

      Anyone who knew Teso knew he went by Teso and knew he was  was the best driver in the west. My brother knew that road like the back of his hand. he didn’t fall asleep, he wasn’t under the influence of anything either. Sh-t just happens and life isn’t fair. He’s in a better place now. His family and close friends will never forget the memories had he’s gone but never forgotten. Forever and always my brother. #resteasyteso

  • New In Town July 7, 2018 (1:16 pm)

    I don’t know Teso (my son does) or his parents, but each time I think of what they’re going through, it takes my breath away. Gut wrenching is pretty accurate. Will someone please post anything we can provide for the family? Errands, picking up relatives from the airport, anything. ❤️

Sorry, comment time is over.