UPDATE: Motorcycle rider seriously injured in Admiral Way crash

| Crime | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Added: WSB photos)

10:13 PM: Police are investigating an incident in which a motorcycle rider was hurt on the Admiral Way hill north of the West Seattle Bridge [map]. Admiral is blocked both ways at the scene. Updates to come.

10:23 PM: Admiral will likely be closed a while, as police tell us the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is being called out. Earlier radio communication suggested this may have involved another vehicle but police have no description to share so far. The injured rider is male and being taken to the hospital.

11:11 PM: SFD spokesperson Kristin Tinsley tells WSB the rider is a 44-year-old man, transported in critical condition.

12:48 AM: Police just announced via radio communication that Admiral Way has reopened. We will follow up later this morning to see what more we can find out about the circumstances.

12:20 PM: The rider remains in critical condition, in intensive care, at Harborview Medical Center.

Steve March 19, 2019 (10:22 pm)

I was wondering why I saw all the lights. As a WSer and a rider, I’m sad to hear of this injury — seems likely to be at least somewhat major to have so much activity and traffic interference.

Thoughtful March 19, 2019 (10:26 pm)

It was a black chevy impala. The police have the license plate number and a description of the suspect. I watched you leave the scene and gave it to them.

Alki resident March 20, 2019 (12:25 am)

Thank God for you.
Tracie March 20, 2019 (6:25 am)

Thank you for stepping up.
STLTHMC March 20, 2019 (11:51 am)

Thank you Thoughtful!
Irene March 21, 2019 (5:19 pm)

Thank you. My friend and his family will appreciate your help.
Karen March 21, 2019 (8:54 pm)

Thank you for reporting what you saw. This is a friends family member. He has a 12 yr old Daughter. Please pray he survives. Not doing good as of now.
Ro March 22, 2019 (9:08 am)

Thank you!
Sasha March 22, 2019 (12:29 pm)

Thank you! The lowest of the low drive away after hitting someone. May the driver get caught but most of all may Sean wake up and be delivered back to his family and loved ones.
Loren Anderson March 23, 2019 (6:24 pm)

Thx for helping out with the info on the hit/run vehicle. Sean is my best friend. Thx again

mark47n March 20, 2019 (4:39 am)

That ‘Guzzi looks familiar.

Wild Hog March 20, 2019 (7:56 am)

Volunteering for jury duty.

DB Coop March 20, 2019 (8:47 am)

Motorcycle riders be careful out there. Spring time brings out the worst in drivers. Of course, what doesn’t around here. I had some kid in White Center blow right through a stop sign, look right at me and keep on going. I thought for sure I’d end up on the pavement but I got real lucky that time.

Mariem March 20, 2019 (9:00 am)

spring and summer do seem to bring about alot of bad driving behavior in general for folks driving any and all wheeled vehicles. It’s a good thing for all to be extra alert.

JC March 20, 2019 (9:32 am)

That’s my friend. I hate “hopes and prayers” but they are legit needed at this time.

Thoughtful March 20, 2019 (9:54 am)

Do you have any additional details? Possibly a way to send a card?
The Bringolfs March 20, 2019 (5:11 pm)

Sean is my friend too and my family is praying for him.
Nicole March 20, 2019 (8:43 pm)

I am the one who called 911 last night. I didn’t sleep all last night and have been worried about your friend. Is there any way you can help me get in touch with his family? I would like to start a go fund me and a meal train for them. Is he okay? Any update on his condition?
- Mel March 21, 2019 (6:39 pm)
  
  Nicole, I am Sean’s girlfriend. There are no words to express the thanks I have for you calling 911.We will be working on a GoFund page soon. Right now our focus is on him resting and healing. He’s still in the ICU. We need to limit the amount of visitors because it effects his blood pressure. But there has been so much love and support. His family and I thanks everyone who participated in reporting the person that hit him and all the love and support.
  - Irene March 21, 2019 (7:27 pm)
    
    Sending my love. Anything you need? Just let us know. We love Sean sooo much and we are here if any help is needed.
  - Nicole March 21, 2019 (8:00 pm)
    
    Mel,Thank you for the response. I’ve been extremely worried and praying like crazy. Would a meal train be helpful for you? I work and live here in West Seattle and could gather a few meals between co-workers and clients.
  - Kate J March 21, 2019 (11:12 pm)
    
    Mel, I messaged you on fb. Please reach out to me with anything you need.
  - Amy E March 22, 2019 (8:59 am)
    
    MelLet me know if you need anything…food, help with the little, animals…hoping for nothing but the best outcome❤❤❤❤

Pamela March 20, 2019 (10:24 am)

As a motorcycle/scooter family, you have to assume drivers look through you and don’t ‘see’ you. It’s scary and we are very unprotected, sometimes I wish we could use the reserved bicycle lanes.

pm March 20, 2019 (10:29 am)

This is also a friend of mine. An amazing Alki resident, dad, and extremely safe/careful/experienced rider. It can be dangerous at that time of night because many people leaving the beach when it gets colder and unfortunately sometimes alcohol is a factor. But to leave the seen after you’ve hit someone. Really??

donttreadonme March 20, 2019 (3:03 pm)

Hit and run is a lesser charge than DUI. Even if the person hit were killed. Our current laws encourage leaving the scene.
- WSB March 20, 2019 (3:07 pm)
  
  No, actually, both can be misdemeanors, both can be felonies. Depends on what/who was hit and what happened after that.

T Rex March 20, 2019 (10:43 am)

I am praying for your friend PM. My guess is they were probably not from West Seattle, maybe had been drinking or have outstanding warrants. Let’s hope I am wrong and they turn themselves in, but this may be a felony hit and run if I am not mistaken. I hope your friend pulls through all of this, life can change in an instant. Be safe everyone.

Wendell March 20, 2019 (11:13 am)

My thoughts are with the fellow rider, his family and friends. Look twice for bikes.

WSB March 20, 2019 (12:20 pm)

I am following up on this with Harborview and with SPD and the first info in is the rider’s condition: Critical, in intensive care. Adding above. – TR

Alki resident March 20, 2019 (12:35 pm)

Please set up a GoFundMe for your friend so we can all do our part.

Merle Lowry Zahniser March 21, 2019 (8:25 pm)

Hi, I’m Sean’s mom. A go fund me account (or one like it) will be set up soon. That task has been delegated. We are trying to focus on Sean right now. He’s still in ICU and still in critical condition. Thank you all for your kind words and for your support. Please pray for my son.
- Kate J March 21, 2019 (11:11 pm)
  
  Love him and will be praying.
- Jennifer Downey March 23, 2019 (8:41 am)
  
  https://www.gofundme.com/seanlowry

Rick March 20, 2019 (12:41 pm)

Factors negatively affecting already bad drivers here are snow,sleet,hail,ice,rain,fog,wind,darkness,daylight,drugs,alcohol,cell phones and any day ending in “y”. I’m positive there are others.

Raised in WS March 20, 2019 (3:46 pm)

And your comment is relevant to this story how…?

Jimmy clarke March 20, 2019 (11:06 pm)

thank you…. this is a friend, a rider, a good rider no reason for this

L March 21, 2019 (10:25 am)

The family will be working on a GoFund me later today or tomorrow. It can be shared once they get things figured out.

Irene March 21, 2019 (4:47 pm)

To my dear friend. Sending love and prayers for your speedy recovery. And big hugs to your daughter. Love you and can’t wait to hear you are up on your feet and smiling that infectious smile of yours.