UPDATE: Deadly crash on Beach Drive

(WSB photos)

3:59 PM: Beach Drive is blocked just south of Me-Kwa-Mooks because of a crash investigation. And that’s why a helicopter is in the area. Details to come.

4:02 PM: We have learned at the scene that tbe crash killed a motorcycle rider. The SPD Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is on this way; Beach Drive will be blocked both sides of the park for hours.

4:28 PM: SPD tells us the collision also involved a motor-vehicle driver who was pulling out of a parking space on the street and “didn’t see” the rider before colliding with him. The rider, police say, is a 60-year-old man. He was riding a scooter-type small motorbike.

6:38 PM: Update from police via SPD Blotter:

At approximately 3:20 p.m., the driver of a sedan parked on the east side of Beach Drive Southwest pulled into the lanes of travel to attempt a U-turn. A man driving a motor scooter traveling north on Beach Drive attempted to avoid the car when it pulled out into traffic, but the two collided. Good Samaritans performed CPR on the 61-year-old victim until Seattle Fire Department medics arrived and took over. SFD pronounced the man deceased at the scene.

We’ll be checking back at the investigation scene soon.

7:48 PM: As first noted in comments, the street is open again – we just drove by.

ADDED: Two more details from an early police-report summary: The “sedan” is an Acura, and an evaluation of its driver showed no signs of intoxication/impairment.

Lillet April 2, 2021 (4:04 pm)

Thank you WSB! I’m working from home and was wondering what was going on. Appreciate you!

West Seattleite for over 30 yrs April 2, 2021 (4:15 pm)

The helicopter clearly isn’t finding anything – can’t they just go away! So loud and obnoxious

Potato April 2, 2021 (4:31 pm)

Yes, the real tragedy is that you are annoyed by the helicopter.
- Pam A. April 2, 2021 (6:22 pm)
  
  Yeah, my first reaction to her comment was,”Geez, so sorry to inconvenience you!” Heartless…
  - G April 2, 2021 (7:23 pm)
    
    The world we live in today and unfortunately so many people just can’t see beyond themselves, no matter the moment or circumstances. Poor guy, rest in everlasting peace. I’m so sorry this happened to you.
- Mercea April 4, 2021 (6:46 am)
  
  Thank you for your replies, my sentiments exactly. The true “annoyance” is the tragedy of him needlessly losing his life, let’s have a little compassion here.
ShermanO April 2, 2021 (4:32 pm)

And condolences to the family who lost a loved one, as I’m sure you meant to add.
R April 2, 2021 (4:34 pm)

This is disgusting. Someone lost their life. Is the helicopter that inconvenient for you.
K April 2, 2021 (5:09 pm)

A family lost a loved one and you are worried about helicopter noises. Disgusting.Condolences to the family❤️
ChadAvalon April 2, 2021 (5:38 pm)

What a weird pot/kettle dynamic you bring.
Zoe Freeman April 2, 2021 (6:06 pm)

I considered not piling but on here I am. Really?!
JW April 2, 2021 (7:11 pm)

What is going on in your life that would cause you to say such a thing . Whatever it is , I hope things improve for you .
Citizen Sane April 2, 2021 (9:41 pm)

Hey, virtue-signalers; why don’t you lighten up on your self-righteous diatribe? That wasn’t a police chopper, that was a news bird getting aerial footage. How long do you have to be up there to get your pix? If there’s one thing the COVID era has done it’s really enabled the controlling and passive aggressive among us. Lighten the heck up, and stop beating on West Seattleite just bc it makes you feel superior.
Really? April 2, 2021 (10:31 pm)

West Seattle for over 30 years, can you explain yourself? Why do heartless?
22blades April 4, 2021 (6:58 am)

…until YOU need it.
Heather April 4, 2021 (8:26 am)

That was a friend of mine. The helicopter bothered you, well his passing is bothering a lot of people. Retired Kirkland Fire Captain Keith Adams who saved countless lives and you are worried about some damn noise. Heather
- Wsdogrun April 4, 2021 (11:25 am)
  
  Hi Heather! I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. If I’m understanding correctly, you are saying that was the rider? I was one of the witnesses to the accident and tried to help. I have been devastated since it happened for him and his family. I would love to send flowers or donate somewhere meaningful on his behalf if you have some information on that. My heart goes out to you!
  - JohnS April 16, 2021 (10:39 am)
    
    From FaceBook:
    
    Kirkland Firefighters
    
    April 3 at 9:18 PM · Update: Captain Adams family is so touched by the outpouring of love and support. They have asked that, in lieu of flowers, you please consider making a donation to the Medic One Foundation. Donations can be made here: https://www.mediconefoundation.org/ways-to…/donate-online/

R2 April 2, 2021 (4:19 pm)

I’m so very sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to all of their loved ones.

Kersti Muul April 2, 2021 (4:24 pm)

Today is too much for the heart.

Anne April 2, 2021 (4:53 pm)

Still closed as of 4:45, bikes can take a detour via the paved walkway by the beach.

Stay Safe April 2, 2021 (4:54 pm)

Please use this terrible loss of life to remind ourselves to be ever aware & stay safe out there. The weather is bringing us all outside, drive defensively and find ways to spread peace and kindness, please. Blessings upon all the friends and loved ones of those involved in this terribly unfortunate accident.

Alisha April 2, 2021 (5:31 pm)

Yes to more kindness and compassion.Very sad to hear this news. Drive safe everyone. Take care.
Thoughtful message April 2, 2021 (10:33 pm)

Thanks for this kind message.

Guy Olson April 2, 2021 (4:57 pm)

Thank you to the person that was performing CPR on him. You did everything you could.❤️

WSdogruns April 2, 2021 (5:26 pm)

She was a hero! So was the nurse who assisted her and took over chest compressions.
Mudbutt69 April 2, 2021 (5:44 pm)

Yes! There were 2 people and they both did all they could. They did CPR and mouth to mouth with no concerns to themselves. Glad there are people like them in this world.

Craig April 2, 2021 (5:15 pm)

As a motorcyclist and bicyclist that rides this road frequently I can attest first hand the high risk being hit by a car pulling into the road from being parked. The distance a parked driver can see approaching traffic from N or S bound is limited due to curves feeding the main parking area and straight line for this park portion. I’m surprised it’s not more common, but nobody counts the near misses. It’s sad to hear of a crash resulting in death.

KM April 2, 2021 (5:38 pm)

RIP neighbor 💔 a reminder to us all to drive with way more chill on beach drive!

W 2 April 2, 2021 (5:38 pm)

This is where my wife and I walk most days. It’s a lovely, very quiet scenic stretch of road, that attracts a few parked cars. Few motor-cycles, but one has to be watchful for bike-cyclists before pulling out, as I have noticed they tend to ride close to the parked cars. Sadly, this is possibly what happened here. A sad awful/dreadful result.Be careful out there!

April Jacobs April 2, 2021 (5:47 pm)

I’m so sorry for what happened I was just flagging there and wished everybody in vehicle scooter walker biker to be safe and this happened… People need to be more aware and stop rushing this hurts me to the core that this happened and hope he gets justice…. I’m so so sorry and pray for family…. This crushed me…. I know exactly who it was .

Jill Loblaw April 2, 2021 (8:59 pm)

😔
Elizabeth April 2, 2021 (10:22 pm)

April, Have you been working on Lincoln Park Way this week? If so, I have so appreciated and enjoyed hearing you and your interactions with pedestrians, motorcyclists and vehicles going by. I live right where the work is being done and you have been a ray of sunshine this week. I know if this person passed you while you were working that you made him smile.As much as I want that work to be done, you have made it more enjoyable.Have a blessed weekend

KWestSeattle April 2, 2021 (5:49 pm)

I’m so sad for this individual’s family and I’m sure the driver is devastated as well.

Largo April 2, 2021 (5:53 pm)

I just wish there were so many speed bumps down this entire stretch of beach drive. It is so, so, dangerous. I know this probably wasn’t the reason for this accident, but something has to change before there are more people hurt.

Teekay April 2, 2021 (6:28 pm)

I am so very sorry to hear that this man died. I came upon the accident, immediately called 911 and witnessed the two women performing CPR on him. Thank goodness for people like these two. I was hoping and praying that he would live. May he Rest In Peace.

Chris April 2, 2021 (6:43 pm)

We were almost broadsided this morning by someone pulling out of a driveway on California Avenue. They obviously could not see because of cars parked on both sides, however they just kept coming. Thankfully we were able to very quickly pull into the turn lane & miss getting hit plus not hit the oncoming traffic. It was very, very close. We are quite thankful to escape harm.
So sorry to hear about this person being killed.

WavyDavid April 3, 2021 (11:07 am)

Props to you Chris for understanding the “cars parked on both sides” dilemma. People forget how unfortunate it is that sometimes a driver literally cannot see what’s coming either direction when turning onto a major avenue from a side street. And there is no safe (or legal) way out of the situation, especially if cars are lined up behind them. Box trucks parked at the corners are the worst. There’s nothing can be done about it; all we can do is be aware, be cautious, try not to speed, and be forgiving when people make understandable mistakes.
- Deborah A Kinder April 4, 2021 (6:41 pm)
  
  Thanks, David. I know the driver and it is very tragic for him. Something he has to live with. I think we all have had close calls with people or vehicles not due to any negligence. A tragic accident.

SeaKev April 2, 2021 (7:05 pm)

UPDATE: It has been cleared both ways for all traffic.

WSB April 2, 2021 (7:13 pm)

Thanks for the update.

murray mccory April 2, 2021 (7:11 pm)

I drive this road often, and I notice the carelessness and rudeness of those making U-turns–very selfish, and dangerous behavior

Deborah A Kinder April 4, 2021 (6:43 pm)

I know him. He is not rude or dangerous. A tragic accident with a motorcycle that is hard to see. I guess you are perfect….perfect jerk

K April 2, 2021 (7:49 pm)

People don’t realize how dangerous u turns can be, and they are only legal here in few situations (and not this one, as described above). I’m absolutely sick of the dangerous driving that is costing lives everywhere. I’m so sorry for this victim and their family, and hope the driver will be charged accordingly. It’s well past time to take traffic violence seriously.

Insertname April 2, 2021 (8:02 pm)

Aww, this is very sad news to hear. My thoughts and prayers to their family and friends.

silent April 2, 2021 (8:59 pm)

So sorry for the victim and for the driver, too. What a tragedy. Heartbreaking.

Wsdogrun April 2, 2021 (9:40 pm)

Did anyone know the rider? I was there when it happened, and am absolutely gutted. I am heartbroken for him and his family. Would love to send flowers or at least light a candle for him.

Sunflower April 3, 2021 (8:30 am)

I do not know the rider, but hurting from this sad news, feeling for you that you witnessed this, and appreciating your thoughtfulness.

Maybe neighbors can start a memorial, bring flowers and candles to where he passed? Thank you to those who tried to save him, or who were near and hoping. Blessings to you.

Life is so precious. Love what you love strongly. Be grateful, as much as you can, for the mysterious beauty of every moment. Do your best. Be safe.
J. C. April 4, 2021 (1:30 am)

There is a post on the Kirkland Firefighters Facebook page that MAY be related to this, identifying someone who was in a fatal West Seattle motor vehicle accident yesterday. I don’t know for sure that these are related, but wanted to offer it for those who were witnesses and wanted to reach out with love for the grieving family IF this is the incident. I’m so sorry to know someone is gone.
- WSB April 4, 2021 (8:51 am)
  
  Thank you. I have separate confirmation on the name so will be writing a followup after a little more research.

Delridge April 2, 2021 (11:48 pm)

Last summer I was in an accident just a few blocks away from where this happened. I was hit by a motorist who was going 25mph while riding my bicycle. I’m grateful to be alive but have permanent damage in my hand and wrist. I could have died in that accident like this individual did. Please please please…. Drive the speed limit, be aware as you don’t know who is around the corner. Reading the news of this person brings back terrible memories, I hope that their loved ones that they are leaving behind are able to find closure with the sudden loss;really sorry guys.

Bixby April 3, 2021 (11:49 am)

So people have to park, it’s a wonky road, and visibility is a great challenge, the best answer if pulling out into traffic that you can’t see is just to do so slowly, cautiously, signaling – to give what you may not be able to see time to react, yes? There’s not really anything else you can do. Is there? :-(

Thd3 April 3, 2021 (12:43 pm)

I live on Beach Drive and am constantly blown away at how fast everyone drives. The speed limit needs to be decreased as it has been going up Admiral. People think it’s a speedway and drive way too fast. They also don’t have grace for people trying to carefully pull out when parked along the street. This accident has me gutted. We need to slow down and just take some more time getting from A to B. I’m so sorry for this man’s family, friends and our Beach Drive community for this loss.

alki_2008 April 3, 2021 (7:30 pm)

How is the speed limit related to this particular accident? Are you saying that the scooter rider was riding too fast?

John April 3, 2021 (12:47 pm)

I can’t express the sadness of such senseless loss of life.
I hope we all can learn from such incidents and practice vigilance on our streets.
I also wish that situations like this lead to more of us motor vehicle drivers reviewing safety and the driving regulations that are passed to protect all people.
Having a driver’s license is still a privilege (not a designated Right like Guns).
We as drivers are presumed by the law to be versed in the driving codes.
Perhaps accelerated by a combination of things, a ‘perfect storm’ of COVID lockdown combined with skyrocketing online delivery services and suspended parking enforcement, the city driving and parking practices have drastically changed.

—
Suddenly we see people parked the ‘wrong way’ on California Ave, delivery vehicles blocking narrow residential streets completely for 5 minutes, parking on the center designated turning lane, turning on ’emergency flashers’ is now common while parking blocking the travel lane on California Ave in The Junction and once rare U-Turns a bound everywhere.
All of these now common practices were banned and made illegal because they are irresponsible and unsafe.
The onus is on the driver, especially when making a U-Turn. –Seattle ordinance 11.55-A U–turn “made in safety” must not:

Impede other traffic.
Be done on a hill or curve.
Be done on a bridge.
Occur anywhere that oncoming traffic would not be able to see you within 500 feet.

RIP

dunnkld April 3, 2021 (1:04 pm)

I agree, and this also applies to backing your car. I had a bike crash when I suddenly had to swerve to avoid someone backing their car too fast from a driveway into the bike lane. Parked cars blocked the driver’s view of me riding downhill on wet pavement in the bike lane. Drivers should always inch out slowly to avoid a collision with someone they may not be able to see so as to give people time to react. I cannot forget poor 93 year old Dorothy Wright who died when a car backed into her in a parking lot. Remember when you are in a car, you have protective armor, but please be very mindful that potentially there are people around you who are walking, biking, otherwise wheeling or riding motorcycles who are very vulnerable.

Eric on Alki April 3, 2021 (1:16 pm)

Speed bumps all along Beach, Alki, and Harbor. Long overdue. Please make this happen, people will not obey speed limit signs and to think they will is just as crazy as speeding everywhere.

Susan April 3, 2021 (3:07 pm)

Yes! We need proper speed bumps (the ones that actually slow cars down), lowered speed limits, flashing cross walks and stop signs at intersections near parks and beaches. Beach Drive has become a speedway with limited lines of sight for cars speeding near MANY cyclists and pedestrians. Where is our “Safe Street”?

Craig April 3, 2021 (5:46 pm)

Each time the community asks for speed bumps or slowing roundabouts on Beach Dr the city says no because it’s an emergency response route. Weird that there are two lonely speed bumps on Beach just 100s of feet from each other and nowhere else that the cops and fire speed past when needed, just like the late night rocketing cars do. I’d love to see Beach slowed down, but lower speed limits is not smart and don’t work IMO – e.g. East Marginal Way, SW Admiral Way, etc – outside of enforcement periods.

G April 3, 2021 (6:43 pm)

This just breaks my heart. May you rest in everlasting sunshine and peace!

Reed April 4, 2021 (8:26 am)

With things like this that we seem to read about on a much too frequent basis, are people really surprised about the continued implementation of rechannelized streets, lowered speed limits, adding of Safe Streets, etc.?

Jort April 4, 2021 (6:48 pm)

Reed, yes, they are surprised and erupt with outrage when the city tries minor, small steps to rein in the clear and obviously demonstrated danger of automobiles.

Kathryn L Carte April 4, 2021 (2:26 pm)

I have known this man since the day he was born, I was high school friends with his mother. His mother, Keith and I all worked at The Red Baron. He and my son were friends; but have not seen each other since my son moved to Mexico in 1984. I am so very sad. Does any one of his friends know if his father Jim is still with us? If so, I would like to know where he lives. My husband and I spent lot of time with the parents back when…

Doree Fazio Young April 6, 2021 (6:56 pm)

Hi Kathryn I’m Doree Fazio Young Keith’s cousin his mom Patty and my Mom were sisters my Uncle Jim passed away a year ago thank u for reaching out we all have such fond memories of The Red Baron it was so fun when my Aunt and Keith worked there We are all so sad and missing Keith like crazy

Deborah A Kinder April 4, 2021 (6:32 pm)

Such a sad story. Condolence to the family of the scooter. Also, it is traumatic for the driver of the car, which happens to be a friend of my sons. It was a tragic accident but his life will be forever changed also. I realize some of you might say “well he is still alive” but he has devastated as well as his family. sad for all.

Kathleen April 4, 2021 (8:29 pm)

This saddens me. I live half a block away from this site. I have written to the mayor, Lisa Herbold, the parks department, Seattle DOT, the Seattle Police Dept, and have “applied” for speed bumps through the grant program. This is a dangerous road. There are many people who go too fast, lots of people just cruising along, lots of bikers – and I am one of all those groups- and lots of congestion with no stop signs, no speed humps, nothing to o make it safer. I’m not surprised someone died. Just saddened.

Sorry, comment time is over.