Update: 1 dead in early-morning West Seattle Bridge crash

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ORIGINAL 3:38 AM REPORT: We’ve been monitoring scanner traffic about an incident on the westbound West Seattle Bridge, described on the 911 log as a freeway medic response. Via Twitter, KIRO says it’s a rollover and says both directions are closed. According to what we’re hearing on the scanner, the driver in the vehicle that rolled — believed to have been traveling at high speed — was found in the passenger seat, “unresponsive,” and is now undergoing CPR. 3:46 AM UPDATE: Also per the scanner, one lane of The Bridge is open westbound; eastbound is completely open. (Image at left is latest “live” pic from camera pointed east of the crash scene) UPDATE 7:15 am: Northwest Cable News is reporting the incident as a fatal accident. 8:46 AM: Here’s the short blurb from SPDBlotter, confirming that the 27-year-old driver died. 2:39 PM UPDATE: The county Medical Examiner has just updated the hotline with its daily list of cases investigated, but concluded the list with “there is nothing to release at this time” regarding this crash, so as of right now, the driver’s identity still has not been made public.

herongrrrl August 28, 2009 (5:57 am)

Came across the bridge at 5:30 and there was still a big investigation going on, only one lane open westbound.

Karen August 28, 2009 (6:53 am)

King 5 reports it as a fatality.

jsrekd August 28, 2009 (7:10 am)

Westbound will be opening – SDOT had to fix the barriers….

beachdrivegirl August 28, 2009 (8:10 am)

At least this time the accident didnt keep both directiosn of the bridge closed through the morning commute as the fatality accident did a fwe years ago.

bridge to somewhere August 28, 2009 (8:51 am)

:-( sad.

WSB August 28, 2009 (10:58 am)

The “no seat belt” information is from the SPDBlotter item we linked above.

AM August 28, 2009 (11:35 am)

any update as to who the victim is? i’m 27 and grew up in west seattle… hoping it’s no one i know. :( sad…

WSB August 28, 2009 (12:01 pm)

If the ID is available by early afternoon the Medical Examiner will make it public in their afternoon report – we’ll be checking on that – TR

jiggers August 28, 2009 (1:57 pm)

That early in the morning. Highly possible the individual was drunk. I hope its no one I know either.

cclarue August 28, 2009 (6:10 pm)

jj the family of this person is mourning their loss either way drunk or not the victim is still dead and your comment is pretty insensitive. Losing ia loved one is hard enough without statements like that.

WSB August 28, 2009 (6:15 pm)

And I have deleted it, thank you for your comment which caught my eye just now. We can discuss behavior and choices that may have contributed to consequences but not so crassly … we don’t patrol the site well enough but we take pride in discussion here being a cut above most other news sites – and everyone’s cooperation and participation is vital toward that goal – TR

Carol August 29, 2009 (9:10 am)

People in the West Seattle neighborhood should writhe in shame for the way they drive on that bridge. I live in West Seattle and I obey speed laws and I couldn’t possibly tell you how many times I’ve had drivers moving WAY over the limit suddenly appear within three feet of my back bumper. It’s disgusting. It’s insane. NOTHING excuses behavior like that and it doesn’t matter that “everybody else is doing it” and might I suggest that many fewer people would be in mourning if nobody did it?

For one thing, no, everybody does NOT behave that way. I’M out there and I’m not doing it and there are others, however much in the minority we may be. For another thing, so you WANT to sink to the lowest common denominator? You’re just waiting for somebody driving more stupidly, dangerously, and presenting more of a risk to their fellow motorists to come blazing along and provide you an excuse?

An object moving at 60 mph (that would be 15 mph over the limit on the bridge) covers 80 feet in ONE SECOND. These are not toys we’re driving. They’re deadly weapons. GROW UP. Slow down. Signal your turns. Put on your seat belt. Leave your house a little earlier. How hard is this, people?

MicF August 30, 2009 (1:11 am)

I’m so sorry for the family and loved ones of this individual. A loss at such a young age is never really something you can come to terms with.

An aside to Carol….. As right ad you may be regarding this subject matter, Im positive that there is a more appropriate forum for your rant. I apologize to the family on your behalf for your insensitivity.

A friend August 31, 2009 (2:28 pm)

The driver involved in this crash will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and acquaintances. He was a good person and he is no longer with us. Rest in Peace

wallflower September 1, 2009 (10:30 am)

This is so awful. There definitely are many reckless drivers on that bridge during the wee hours.
BUT, Carol, you sound like you’re mad at the world and using this as your lightning rod. You’re not one of the few ‘superior’ and righteous people in West Seattle just because you drive 45. Get over yourself!

Sorry, comment time is over.