UPDATE: South Seattle College staff member killed in parking lot incident

(WSB photo: TCIS detective and their vehicles at the scene, which is next to a white pickup truck just off screen left)

8:48 PM: Detectives from the Seattle Police Traffic Collision Investigation Squad are in the south lot at South Seattle College, investigating a fatal incident. Detective Valerie Carson tells us, “A deceased adult female was found pinned between a vehicle and the curb. Based on surveillance footage, it appears to be an accident. Not clear exactly how it happened but not deemed suspicious at this time. TCIS responded and will lead investigation.”

9:45 PM: The original call on this was a medical dispatch shortly after 5 pm. Listening back to archived SFD audio, the first SFD crews arriving on scene found the victim, described as a woman around 60, and tried to but ultimately were unable to revive her. The scene was toward the southwest end of the south lot. We’ll be checking with SSC tomorrow to see whether the victim was a staff member or student at the college, or was there for another reason.

ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: We asked SSC spokesperson Ty Swenson what the college could tell us – here’s the reply we received:

The South Seattle College community is grieving the unexpected loss of a longtime Student Services employee who passed away on Dec. 13, 2022. The college is focused on supporting employees and students in this difficult time, and we are in communication with the State of Washington Employee Assistance Program to schedule on-site and virtual counseling availability.

The college may have limited student services in the coming days as we allow space for the grieving process, and we thank our students and larger community for their understanding.

He says the employee’s family has not given their approval to identify her beyond the campus community, so we will be waiting either to hear from them or from the Medical Examiner before publishing her name.

4:10 PM: The Medical Examiner has identified the victim as 66-year-old Dolores Taylor and verified that her death was accidental. According to the SSC website, Ms. Taylor was assistant director of financial aid.

10 Replies to "UPDATE: South Seattle College staff member killed in parking lot incident"

  • CC December 13, 2022 (11:12 pm)

    Speaking for other faculty at SSC to say we’re worried and waiting on your update when you have it. 

    • SSC Student December 14, 2022 (2:00 pm)

      Update when we identify the staff. I’m a student

      • WSB December 14, 2022 (4:13 pm)

        The King County Medical Examiner has released the victim’s identity and confirmed her death was accidental. We’ve updated above.

  • SSCEmployee December 13, 2022 (11:13 pm)

    The victim was a South employee. A notification was sent to all staff late this evening, but no name was given because the next-of-kin had not yet been notified. 

  • Kyle December 14, 2022 (8:19 pm)

    So the vehicle, and assuming driver, accidentally ran her over? Sorry, but the details in the story make it hard to draw a conclusion.

    • WSB December 14, 2022 (8:33 pm)

      This is all the information that police have released. There was no mention of another person being involved (I went back and listened to the dispatch, no mention over the air, either). The vehicle was described as belonging to the victim.

    • Karen December 15, 2022 (1:43 pm)

      With no further information, I speculate a freak accident involving a loose parking brake, a slight incline, and a wall. Just exactly the wrong place at the wrong time. My condolences to everyone involved.

  • Dorsol Plants December 15, 2022 (9:52 am)

    Dolores was a tireless advocate for military veterans transitioning into education. She was a one of a kind soul that truly saved lives.

  • Brooke December 19, 2022 (12:48 pm)

    I worked with Dolores and she was such a kind hearted person. I’m heartbroken to hear this. Sending my love and prayers to South and her family. 

  • Natalie December 30, 2022 (6:28 am)

    I worked with Dolores and sat right outside her office several years back. This cuts deep. She was so nice to me. One of the kindness women I know. Rest easy Dolores, your hard work here is done.

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