UPDATE: 2 drivers to hospital after collision on Alki Avenue pushes one car into the water

(Reader photo)

5:50 PM: Another emergency response – this time in the 1300 block of Alki Avenue [vicinity map] – a two-car collision reportedly has one vehicle in the water, one up on the sidewalk. Updates to come.

(Added: Reader photo sent by Reiner)

5:57 PM: One person from the car that went into the water is reported to be undergoing CPR. One other injured person from the crash is reported to have a broken leg. Please avoid the area – emergency responders are trying their best to block off the road while also focusing on the injured people.

(Reader photo sent by Reiner)

6:04 PM: One trapped person has been extricated from the car that crashed on land. SFD says that person will be taken to a hospital. Divers are checking the car in the water to see if anyone remains inside:

(Reader photo sent by Reiner)

6:08 PM: So far there are two patients – one from the car on land, one from the submerged car.

(Reader photo sent by Reiner)

6:17 PM: SFD crews have just told dispatch no one remains inside the submerged car, but divers still have to check around it. History as discussed in comments: A driver went into the water in May 2009 (WSB coverage here) and survived; three years before that, a driver went into the water in the 1200 block of Alki and two men died (September 2006). … Back to the current situation: Crews in the water say they haven’t found anyone else in the water, so all divers and rescue swimmers are out of the water. SFD is sending a public-information officer to the scene.

(WSB photo)

6:35 PM: Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives are being called out, according to emergency-radio communication, so the scene may be blocked for a while, no official estimate yet. Above is our photo of police and fire boats near the submerged car. There is also some radio communication about utility damage.

6:57 PM: SFD says the person in the submerged car was pulled out by bystanders and was in critical condition when taken to the hospital. … Below, another view of the car that crashed on land, roof removed because that’s what SFD had to do to get the driver – who is in stable condition – out:

(Reader photo sent by Steve)

As for the car in the water, it’s high tide as of moments ago, and the next low tide is only a few feet lower – the next minus tide isn’t till tomorrow morning.

7:42 PM: SPD spokesperson Det. Judinna Gulpan just spoke with us and other media at the scene. Few additional details – the driver rescued from the water is female, the one cut out of a car on land is male. The process of retrieving the car from the water won’t even start until the TCIS detectives complete their work at the scene.

8:14 PM: Just watched our video of Det. Gulpan’s briefing. She also said that, as a commenter below had reported, they believe the male driver hit the female driver, head-on, at high speed, and the impact pushed her car into the water. She would not confirm whether the male driver is under investigation for possible DUI. (Update: Here’s our video:)

8:37 PM: A texter says they just pulled the car out. Here’s the photo they sent:

9:34 PM: Police are reopening Alki Avenue both ways.

9:58 PM: Harborview says the driver rescued from the water remains listed in critical condition.

MONDAY NOTE: We are following up on various aspects of and questions raised by this incident and hope to have a separate followup this evening. In the meantime, for the record (per SFD), the woman rescued from the water is 24, the driver who hit her car is 23. We don’t have his name (yet) so we are currently unable to verify his status.

MONDAY NIGHT: Our followup has to wait until tomorrow as we have a variety of questions still awaiting answers. Meantime, a friend of the rescued woman has let us know in comments and via email that crowdfunding is now set up for her and her family.

311 Replies to "UPDATE: 2 drivers to hospital after collision on Alki Avenue pushes one car into the water"

  • Danimal July 16, 2023 (5:58 pm)

    Wondered what all the commotion on the beach was. Two police, two Seattle fire, the SFD paramedic unit… how the heck did that happen? Never heard of anyone driving off the sea wall in my 15 years here!

    • WSB July 16, 2023 (6:12 pm)

      There has been at least one car in water crash in the years we’ve been doing this. I’m looking it up right now.

        • Danimal July 16, 2023 (6:31 pm)

          Thanks. I saw your updates in the article too. Sad! I was on a recreational scooter ride headed that way when all the emergency vehicles took off that direction. I left the scene after I heard the guy with the broken leg screaming.

        • aRF July 16, 2023 (6:43 pm)

          And a working link to the 2006 fatality: https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/2-killed-when-car-plunges-into-elliott-bay-1215439.php

          • WSB July 16, 2023 (6:47 pm)

            Yeah, I just added that, thanks.

          • Coder July 17, 2023 (5:18 am)

            HTML showed through on a linkMay 2009 (<a href=”http://(Reader photo sent by Reiner)” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>WSB coverage here) 

          • WSB July 17, 2023 (9:14 am)

            Thank you, fixed (now links show for both of those past crashes).

          • Lolly July 17, 2023 (2:36 pm)

            Also back in the late 1970’s.   Danny Wolff was killed when car drive off next to anchor clothes to wear this happened

    • Jon July 16, 2023 (7:00 pm)

      The car that crashed into the bushes passed me going 100mph in a 25mph- nearly took out 15 cyclists head on- and less than 30 seconds later this happened. All the props to the bystanders and those in a walkway who jumped into action without hesitation! They found an extension ladder across the street and ran it over and the crowd pulled the victim to land and began cpr until paramedics arrived. So many heros today- Proud of those bystanders jumping into action!

      • Danimal July 16, 2023 (7:23 pm)

        Thanks for the information. I wondered how it happened. I have to say that though that a true 100 mph is unlikely, just due to the distance it takes to get up to that speed, especially in a gas powered vehicle. Hard to have enough distance to pull that off in Alki traffic. 50-60 is probably a more accurate number, though obviously I wasn’t there.

        • TB July 16, 2023 (8:29 pm)

          The car also passed me right before the crash.   That was NOT 60 mph.   It was at least 90 mph.

        • Neighbor July 16, 2023 (8:36 pm)

          It’s definitely possible if he was coming from the beach. I live on the 1300 block of Alki Avenue. This section is used as a race track. Especially at night. We see it every day during the summer. This is an unfortunate incident but it was just a matter of time until happened again. Three cars in the water since 2006 almost at the exact same spot. How long until the fourth one unless something gets done immediately? I think it’s incredibly lucky that nobody at the bike path/sidewalk was run over by the car going into the water. 

          • Pedestrian July 16, 2023 (11:02 pm)

            Yes! We were biking with kids minute away. So sad! Big thanks to brave people who help get girl out of water. Praying she’s ok.

          • Mike July 18, 2023 (6:09 am)

            So any updates on her condition?

        • Nick July 16, 2023 (11:26 pm)

          Not far off. This is the same driver that passed me on I5N / West Seattle Bridge Exit.  He was easily going 100+ in an Infinity?  The guy had dark hair, golden skin.   He flew up the bridge, weaving dangerously in an out of lanes, barely missing other vehicles while passing on the shoulder.  I felt like I was viewing a movie or a video game.  He took the Harbor Ave exit, that was around 5:25 because I didnt want to miss Messi. This HAS to be THAT guy.  

        • Jon July 17, 2023 (9:17 am)

          I was there- I was going 24 when they passed me i’m telling you by the time of the crash they got up to at least 90mph- given the impact and how the car in the bushes is facing the opposite direction of travel- 

      • GF July 16, 2023 (8:41 pm)

        Can this driver be held for attempted murder of the 15 cyclist? He should be. 

        • Alki resident July 16, 2023 (9:47 pm)

          No, it wasn’t an intentional act to try and kill them. 

          • Jackie July 17, 2023 (8:16 am)

            People can now be tried (and convicted) of 2nd degree murder for driving intoxicated and hitting/killing someone. So, yeah. It CAN be done now.


          • Jackie July 17, 2023 (8:23 am)

            Just saw in another article just now that it is called “vehicular homicide” and it’s a felony.


          • Jon July 17, 2023 (9:22 am)

            He obviously didn’t care that he almost did kill someone though- no regard for anyone’s life except his joy ride.

          • Jort July 17, 2023 (11:30 am)

            Oh, OK, he was just accidentally going 90 miles per hour in a place where people walk and bike. Good thing it wasn’t intentional. 

      • Neighbor July 16, 2023 (9:56 pm)

        This looks very similar to a car that swerved toward my bicycle head-on around the same time near the lighthouse.  I see a lot of scary stuff down there this time of year but that car stood out as especially egregious.

        • Jon July 17, 2023 (9:18 am)

          it absolutely was the same one- i saw them almost take out all of the cyclist- 

      • TB July 16, 2023 (10:13 pm)

        My wife and I were walking along Alki away from the beach, headed toward Salty’s.   A silver car flew by going at least 90 mph, then less than a second later came the huge crash and we saw the silver car spin into the shrubs near that condo building.   Bystanders ran across the street and went into the water to help the young woman whose car had been knocked backwards and was now submerged.    I saw a young man with a bloody face standing near the silver car and asked him if he was the driver, and he nodded.   I told him angrily that he was going to jail, and he asked why.   I told him that he could very well have killed the occupant of the other car, and he shrugged and said “I don’t give a sh*t.”   Strangely, he opened the driver-side door of his car, got back in, and sat down.   When the fire trucks arrived, for some reason they decided to cut the car open to get him back out again.

        • Rhonda July 17, 2023 (1:18 am)

          Hopefully, he’ll be charged with felony vehicular assault, felony reckless endangerment, and layers of other charges. The only reason his innocent victim is still alive is because of the life-saving efforts of local civilian heroes and medical technology. If the Alki area had even one or two visible SPD units he likely wouldn’t have been openly racing. 

          • East Vashon July 17, 2023 (11:42 am)

            Its unlikely, the way the laws are written either a police officier needs to verify speed, or its not admissable. All the driver needs to say is they looked away, or played with the radio, and there is not enough to get charges after the fact.We need presumed liability in WA state for all drivers, not just potential bad actors like this one, as of today the attitude of ” “I don’t give a sh*t.” ” is correct, there will be little repercussions if any.

          • Jay July 17, 2023 (1:08 pm)

            Felony vehicular assault does not require officer verification of speed. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.522

        • Oh Seattle July 17, 2023 (6:13 am)

          Maybe they cut the top of the car off to assure he wouldn’t be getting it repaired and be back out trying to kill people in a couple of weeks.  Whatever, the case, I’m glad this sociopath’s car will end up in the crusher after the investigation and hopefully he’ll be in jail for a good, long while.

          • fawnzy July 17, 2023 (2:19 pm)

            That car was definitely totaled.

        • Neighbor July 17, 2023 (8:13 am)

          I hope you stayed to give testimony to the police! 

          • TB July 17, 2023 (9:54 am)

            Yes – left my info for police and am going to follow up.   

        • Danimal July 18, 2023 (1:22 am)

          I don’t understand how this could be possible. If they had to cut the roof off the car to get him out, how could he have been standing outside the car previously and then gotten back in? And, how could I have heard him yelling and moaning in pain as they were moving him to a gurney with a for a ride to the hospital with a broken leg? Doesn’t make any sense. Something doesn’t add up. His pain sounded real.

          • Jenn S July 18, 2023 (6:51 pm)

            Danimal,Its possible the driver at fault was in shock immediately after the collision.  If so, He would not feel the pain, YET.This happened to me after I was rear-ended at high speed and rolled. (100% not my fault)  My arm was no longer fully attached, and I had other serious injuries requiring multiple surgeries, but when I was pulled from my truck I couldn’t feel any pain at all.  A day later I couldn’t move at all.  This is one comforting thing for the other drivers’ friends and family,  the body does go into shock with that kind of trauma, to protect you from pain. Thank God for the bystanders that rescued her from the water, and thank God She is still alive.  True Miracles.  I hope we get updates, so we can further support her recovery.

          • TB July 18, 2023 (10:54 pm)

            My best guess is that the fire department has a set procedure for moving anyone out of a wrecked car who appears to be injured, and they were simply following it rather than asking him to step out of the door.   I too heard him screaming in pain – when they had him prone and were binding his leg ( later confirmed broken) into a brace.

          • Alki Resident July 20, 2023 (11:39 pm)

            It’s not possible at all. I’m not sure who the guy was that he claimed to talk to but there’s no way the driver could of gotten outta his car. I talked to the lead officer on scene just a few days ago, he said … he’ll be lucky if they can save his leg, it was severely broken from his ankle to about his knee cap. His broken bones and flesh were are intangled in his pants, said it was probably the worst accident/ broken bone(s) he’s seen in 17 yrs on the job. They cut the top off because they had no way of knowing if he had any head/neck/ back trauma so they couldn’t pull him out from the door. I know being in total shock your adrenaline is rushing and sometimes you don’t feel pain … but there is no way that driver got out on his own and was able to stand up on his own, even if it was only for a few minutes. 

        • Mike July 18, 2023 (6:14 am)

          He’s gonna give a Sh/@ he won’t be driving for probably 5 to
          10 yrs!! Toughest guy of all lol

      • Autumn July 18, 2023 (9:01 am)

        I’m so thankful for those bystanders, the girl in the water is my best friend and I’m so thankful she’s still alive I’d say primarily due to their quick thinking and actions.

        • Jenn S July 18, 2023 (6:59 pm)

            We are all praying for your friends’ recovery. ❤

        • Sara LaLande July 27, 2023 (9:41 am)

          Autumn. How is she doing?  Terrible tragedy. 

    • baconhair2 July 16, 2023 (7:47 pm)

      It was a bigger response than you think. Rescue 1, Deputy Chief of Ops, Public Information Officer, Staff10, Battalion Chief 7, E29, E32, M32, an Aid unit (don’t know which one), L11, Fireboats, 4 SPD cars, E36 (I think), and a few more which I cannot remember. However, in total, 18 units were assigned and responded to this call.

  • John July 16, 2023 (6:09 pm)

    How far down is this? I have to pick up my grandmother in a bit from a friend of hers who lives down there

    • Shana Pennington-Baird July 16, 2023 (6:26 pm)

      It’s right past the head— just before the flower house. Road is closed both ways.

      • John July 16, 2023 (6:31 pm)

        Thanks!! Once I saw some of the subsequent pictures I realized where it was at and the area I need to get as much further down with the picture of the seawall and the car in the water I almost thought it was closer down to Alki point

  • Niko July 16, 2023 (6:28 pm)

    Any idea on when/how they’ll get the car out? I’m guessing they’ll have to wait for the tide to go out

    • WSB July 16, 2023 (6:33 pm)

      It’s likely going to be many hours, and not necessarily just because of the tide – Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives are being called out and their investigations usually take hours, to carefully study the scene.

      • Niko July 16, 2023 (6:41 pm)

        Makes sense. It’ll be interesting to see what the cause was. I’m guessing speeding unfortunately 

  • Alki Jack July 16, 2023 (6:40 pm)

    Have friends who live just down Alki from us, just before this happened a car came screaming by, passing cars on the other side, super loud exhaust and then BOOM!

    • Jim July 16, 2023 (7:58 pm)

      Yeah I figured speeding was involved with the way that car crashed with its front end smashed in. It’ll be interesting to see what the damage to the vehicle in the water looks like

  • Rhonda July 16, 2023 (6:40 pm)

    So much for the annoying speed humps making that stretch safer. I wouldn’t be surprised if they contributed to this accident or the lowered car that caught fire recently.

    • WSB July 16, 2023 (7:37 pm)

      This was nowhere near the speed humps, one of the local residents who has fought for them confirms.

      • CW July 16, 2023 (7:58 pm)

        Yep, absolutely no where near the humps, the person  driving the speeding car was heading towards them

  • Rocky Bullwinkle July 16, 2023 (6:48 pm)

    Speed bumps along Alki Ave. probably a good idea.

    • Morgan July 16, 2023 (9:43 pm)

      Live in admiral area and concur with more physical barriers —but do it thoughtfully please…Raised intersections…humps….don’t just tack more yellow signs everywhere. What about more mini roundabouts and jagged curves in meandering street?

      • James July 16, 2023 (10:53 pm)

        Highly +1 on traffic calming measures. Use alternating side of road car parking to add some curves to the road so it’s not straight, it’ll force low speeds even through the night so Alki ave residents can finally sleep peacefully.

      • momosmom July 17, 2023 (6:47 am)

        I don’t think any amount of speed bumps/humps and or round a bouts would have made this person drive any safer, it sounds like from other comments he was  out to do harm to himself and anyone who got in his way.  I agree speed bumps/humps should be installed all along Alki Ave., it would deter most cars even the “good” cruisers from using the roadway as much as they do. Hoping the “person in water” will be OK and the “other driver” gets the help he needs to have made him drive so wreck-less. 

        • Gatewoos88 July 17, 2023 (1:55 pm)

          You literally cannot drive over speed bumps at 70+mph in a car as low as the perps without tearing the bottom off of your car. Adequately sized and spaced Speed bumps and other traffic calming measures absolutely would prevent this type of high speed collision on alki. 

  • Lucy July 16, 2023 (6:53 pm)

    Since speed was most likely played a part of this crash, I vote for speed humps every 50 yards all the way down Alki.   

    • Alki guy July 16, 2023 (7:29 pm)

      I totally agree with this, I live on the block between 53rd and Bonair and I’ve witnessed people going 80mph right through the crosswalk. Someone is going get hurt or killed soon if they don’t put speed bumps. There’s way too many kids and families down here too risk not just putting and end to these high speeds. 

      • AG July 16, 2023 (8:00 pm)

        Strong agreement from just down Alki from you; last night at 3am or so they were tear-assing down the road again and I thought “yeah, time to extend the bumps all the way down Alki.” Wishing the woman in the water a speedy and complete recovery. The other one… well, they’ll make more bro-racers.

      • CW July 16, 2023 (8:02 pm)

        It is getting crazier, we saw a poor guy get rear ended by a speeder when he stopped to let us use a cross walk. In the middle of the day and not at night when the real crazy stuff starts. 

      • Dre July 17, 2023 (8:40 pm)

        Agree. I have almost been run over with my 1 year old and 3 year old. Never cross Alki unless you see both ways slowing down and make eye contact with the drivers. We live at 53rd and Bonair as well. It’s a sh-tshow and something needs to be done. Speed bumps all the way down. Thoughts out to the young woman and a strong recovery <3 

    • Vince July 16, 2023 (7:50 pm)

      Agreed. Speed bumps everywhere, including all along Admiral. These street racers are daily examples of the worst people in all of Puget Sound. I’m not sure whether homelessness or street racing is a greater emergency for Seattle. Super sick of it.

      • Mary July 16, 2023 (9:21 pm)

        Yes to speed bumps! I live on 1500 block and that stretch of road is commonly used for speeding at night. We hear them regularly, especially in the summer. We have asked repeatedly. Not sure why speed bumps were placed by the water taxi and not here where all the speeding occurs. Hope this lady survives. 

    • Carrie July 16, 2023 (8:59 pm)

      Or, instead of punishing all the people that live around here with the annoyance and wear and tear on cars, have police do their job and stop the people speeding.

      • AG July 16, 2023 (9:16 pm)

        You do know there’s a cop shortage, right? Call Tru-Line or whatever, raise your car up to a reasonable height, and deal with it. 

      • Mary July 16, 2023 (9:23 pm)

        That would be great I agree but not realistic.  They’d have to be there 24/7. 

        • Neighbor July 17, 2023 (5:22 am)

          Cops don’t have to be there 24/7.  They need to be there between 10pm and 2am on Saturday and Sunday nights in July and August.  That’s 16 days.  A total of 64 hours per year.  That’s 0.7% of 24/7.  Crack down at the peak time, catch a few people and throw the book at them.  The rest will get the hint.

          • Blbl July 17, 2023 (3:56 pm)

            This happened on a Sunday afternoon. 

      • AJP July 17, 2023 (1:21 pm)

        Physical barriers are far more effective than regulatory enforcement. 

  • Banan July 16, 2023 (6:54 pm)

    Drove there right as it happened before.help arrived. The person on land that crashed had a lot of blood on their face, but I am hoping it is not major. 

    • AG July 16, 2023 (8:03 pm)

      I hope it got his attention and fixes his lead foot for keeps. Saving my better wishes and concern for anyone *not* speeding down Alki in the middle of a sunny, very busy Sunday afternoon.

  • Dozer July 16, 2023 (6:58 pm)

    Curious, have there ever been any serious proposals to close down Alki Ave to vehicle traffic (except commercial) during summer? Would sure cut down on this type of thing…

    • Alki Resident July 16, 2023 (7:30 pm)

      That would never work. There are thousands of people that live there that need access. Also that would be bad for the businesses. What would definitely work is speed bumps at every pedestrian cross walk (not the speed camera baloney that was being proposed by people who have no clue that street racers don’t care about speed cameras since they don’t have their plates). 

      • hmm July 16, 2023 (7:58 pm)

        I find it very odd that so many people argue against speed cameras on the grounds that nobody worth catching (meaning the actual bad guys, not the neighbor going 10 over) will have license plates.

        In this case, for example, the car very clearly has a license plate.  So I’m not sure where y’all are getting your arguments. Pretty sure you just want to be able to drive 10 over and not worry about a ticket in the mail, but what do I know.

        • bolo July 16, 2023 (8:41 pm)

          Yes we see a license plate in the photo. The question is “Is that their real license plate?”

          • WSB July 16, 2023 (8:46 pm)

            Police check license plates of all cars on scenes like this in the early going (they radio the #’s in to dispatch). I didn’t hear any mention that the plates/vehicle weren’t clear but will ask.

          • WSB July 16, 2023 (9:42 pm)

            I asked police. Neither vehicle was stolen, and both had the plates that belonged with them.

          • Jay July 17, 2023 (10:36 am)

            This is a popular fake license plates that I see a lot of race cars driving with. Even when they’re commuting to work downtown. If you see this one, they’re a street racer not displaying plates. There are many other brands selling them as well. They put the real license plate behind the blacked out rear window and then install this fake one. Having a fake plate doesn’t get you pulled over. https://www.hoonigan.com/products/hoonigan-license-plate

        • Lamont July 16, 2023 (8:53 pm)

          NYC has a lot of traffic cameras, and has grown a large problem with license plate defacement to avoid fines:

          https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/17/nyregion/license-plate-vigilantes.html

          Same thing happened with the low bridge cameras.

          Cameras also can’t physically slow anyone down, they can do whatever they want, they’ll just get a fine in the mail. And if the penalty for a crime is a fine, then that law only exists for the poor.

        • Alki Resident July 16, 2023 (9:31 pm)

          I do not care about the person going 10 or even 20 over the speed limit. What I don’t want is the people going 80-100 mph. Does somebody actually have to die before we actually do something. And FYI, there were people street racing last night on Alki at 2 AM and they didn’t have license plates. 

          • Zipda July 16, 2023 (11:30 pm)

            Someone may have died in this tragic senseless crash. Driver of car knocked into the water was receiving CPR. Never a good omen.

        • Neighbor July 16, 2023 (9:34 pm)

          I’m opposed to speed cameras because they don’t work and I care about my privacy.  It’s a waste of time and money.

          • Admyrl Byrd July 17, 2023 (3:28 pm)

            Unless you don’t carry a cell and are driving something from the Richie Cunningham would’ve driven (from the 1950s)…you have no privacy.  It is an illusion.  Start thinking of the greater good.

      • Renaldo July 16, 2023 (8:06 pm)

        It could work. You just need to close it where the beach starts and then down to Cactus, there’s not a ton of residents that wouldn’t have access from the side streets and alleys.  Lots of Seattle neighborhoods have special parking passes for residents and businesses could offer temporary parking permits for side streets.  I think the businesses would actually benefit, they could expand outdoor seating similar to the junction during WestFest.Most of the people that are the problem at Alki don’t spend money at the businesses anyway and likely wouldn’t come down if it was harder to drive around and park.  With a different vibe I think more families would come down, yes it would be harder to park but people would plan around it (scooters, e-bike rentals) and the city could make it easier with shuttle busses from the water taxi, etc…   and businesses could be evolve, i.e. a bike rental near the water taxi.  

        • Runner July 17, 2023 (6:00 am)

          Totally agree with Renaldo. We live directly across from the accident site and see the reckless driving all the time. When there is a police presence all of the traffic slows down, but it’s not realistic to have police sitting there 24/7.  Many of the problem drivers are not traveling on Alki to visit the beach.  They are cruising back and forth on Alki being loud and speeding. 

      • Dozer July 16, 2023 (8:13 pm)

        It won’t work till it does. Cities all over close areas to traffic all the time with plenty of people claiming “it’ll never work”. Allow commercial permitted traffic and that’s it. If you’re a resident, you can head up on Admiral / California and access / exit the area that way. Even if you close the main drag, you remove the incentive to show off your hoopti and drive like an idiot in, to and from the area. 

        • Evan Wallace July 16, 2023 (9:15 pm)

          Or…we could just enforce the laws we have for speeding, loud exhaust, etc. I know, I know—crazy idea. Much better to penalize the vast majority of law-abiding citizens by limiting access to one of the most desirable areas of the city. 

          • Dozer July 17, 2023 (6:40 pm)

            Enforcing the laws is a reactive (after the idiot causes the damage) posture. We need to have a proactive (prevent the idiot from doing the damage) approach to prevention. Bumps, close the stretch, cops, etc are all proactive approaches that we need to consider. 

          • Erik Haws July 19, 2023 (9:01 pm)

            Makes sense 👍

        • Alki resident July 16, 2023 (9:16 pm)

          Why if we’re living in the beach, want to go up the hill to Admiral when the purpose of living on the beach is to enjoy it as we’re driving by? Why punish everyone because the Village idiot came through?

          • Renaldo July 16, 2023 (9:50 pm)

            punishment?  A more family friendly, vibrant and safer Alki is a reward.  An inconvenience of not being able to drive a half mile stretch of Alki for 3 months out of the year isn’t much to give up for that.

          • Pete July 16, 2023 (10:25 pm)

            I live a block off alki by the log cabin. I would love a car ban on Alki for the summer and permit parking. The way to ensure access for all is improving public transport. It works all over the world. I have no idea why we constantly look for excuses to not fix things. We can do so much better.

          • Alki resident July 17, 2023 (2:53 pm)

            Speak for yourself , this isn’t what residents want on Alki . The beach is much longer than half a mile btw. 

          • Erik Haws July 19, 2023 (9:02 pm)

            👍

        • Alex July 17, 2023 (9:28 am)

          You must live in the nice area of west Seattle. So easy to say close down Alki. How am I supposed to get home? The only street to my house is Harbor to Alki.

          • Dozer July 17, 2023 (6:44 pm)

            Have you never heard of permitted and commercial access? I have. So your access would not be impeded. All others ticketed / enforced by camera. What again is not doable about this?

    • Rhonda July 16, 2023 (7:41 pm)

      It’s a public arterial to the 1st or 2nd most-visited park in the region. Thousands of non-park/beach visitors, residents, and customers use it all day, every day. Most of the businesses make the majority of their money in the summer months.

      • Dozer July 17, 2023 (6:47 pm)

        And where people get shot and injured by insane drivers. At some point, consequences need to be weighed and different measures have to be taken. Alternate access routes exist and the opportunity for a positive impact is equally valid. 

    • J July 17, 2023 (6:39 am)

      I live on the “Closed Street” area starting at the end of the Alki beach park (where the raised sidewalk is and before the sharp turn where the road turns to Beach Drive.The “Closed Street” is totally ignored now. It’s a scary mix of kids and adults on scooters, bikes, walking, running and cars speeding along in both directions, with parking allowed on both sides of the street, narrowing the space for everyone. And cruising, which is illegal, is happening at night, particularly around sunset. Cops: do your job.  And the street has countless areas of pavement dips and ragged spots that could easily throw  a person off balance on a scooter especially. I ride my bike regularly, so I know the spots to avoid, but visitors would not know. What I really wanted to mention though is that there is racing even down this stretch of road! Not to mention guys in cars with loud mufflers (aren’t these illegal?) and motorcycles that can be heard coming and going for a mile away. Everything seems worse this year. We need a comprehensive plan to solve many issues in this area, including better transportation options for people who want to enjoy this lovely area. It’s a public park, but also a residential area. We need protections and solutions for everyone. And it starts with leadership. King County Metro, City Council, Mayor, and cops. Create a comprehensive plan now. 

      • my two cents July 17, 2023 (3:49 pm)

        you whined about having the street closed for the “good of the neighborhood”, though you were really after no traffic  – after whining about the parking revisions – now you are whining because of the current situation. 

        • J July 17, 2023 (6:57 pm)

          That’s worth 1¢. 

  • Gloria Currie July 16, 2023 (7:29 pm)

    Speed bumps are needed in the worst way and cameras – I live 1400 block on Alki Ave andthis strip where no speed bumps have been placed or forgotten has had many crashes because ofspeeders!  Don’t know how many we need before something is done!  

    • AG July 16, 2023 (8:05 pm)

      Yes to bumps, but the cameras do nothing. You have to make these yutzes risk vehicle damage when they act like this;  it’s all they understand.

      • hmm July 17, 2023 (9:49 am)

        “Automated speed camera enforcement is effective in reducing speed and speed-related crashes. In a Cochrane review of studies through 2010 evaluating speed cameras, all studies measuring speed or speeding saw reductions when the cameras were present.6″

        https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/calculator/factsheet/speed.html

        But never mind actual data, please continue to whine about how cameras could never possibly help reduce speeding.  After all, it’s not like you’re on first name basis with reason or evidence.

        • Mimzy48 July 17, 2023 (10:46 am)

          This argument could be stated without needing to be rude or mock the original commenter. Adding those kind of remarks just make people defensive, they don’t strengthen the point being made. This is a community blog and everyone is working towards the same objective, they just may have different ideas of how to get there.

        • AG July 17, 2023 (5:10 pm)

          Sugar, come on back when you have more than a single discredited CDC report (IYKYK). I’d say I’ll wait but I don’t really have time to argue this one with someone getting their research from Google.

  • peter July 16, 2023 (8:00 pm)

    The car that crashed in the bushes was racing another car and was in the oncoming traffic lane going 80+ mph past us as we were on scooters going the opposite direction.  the car that went into the water was turning left into a condo complex.  the impact pushed the turning car and it went backwards into the water.  

    • Pinto July 16, 2023 (9:22 pm)

      Thank you for the description Peter. It seems reasonable to have cameras along all of Alki to verify this sort of life threatening activity. It would also feel extremely reassuring to know that fines are tenfold if racing was involved.

      • Neighbor July 17, 2023 (5:36 am)

        What would the cameras accomplish exactly?  We already know this is happening.  Nobody needs confirmation.

        • hmm July 17, 2023 (9:51 am)

          They’d reduce speeds in the area.

          “Automated speed camera enforcement is effective in reducing speed and speed-related crashes. In a Cochrane review of studies through 2010 evaluating speed cameras, all studies measuring speed or speeding saw reductions when the cameras were present.6″

          https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/calculator/factsheet/speed.html

          • WestSeattleBadTakes July 17, 2023 (1:12 pm)

            While there are most assuredly improvements with speed cameras, it isn’t as definitive as you’re stating. Both the original study and the CDC page are clear about the limitations of this data.
            https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004607.pub4/full

            Despite the methodological limitations and the variability in degree of signal to noise effect, the consistency of reported reductions in speed and crash outcomes across all studies show that speed cameras are a worthwhile intervention for reducing the number of road traffic injuries and deaths. However, whilst the the evidence base clearly demonstrates a positive direction in the effect, an overall magnitude of this effect is currently not deducible due to heterogeneity and lack of methodological rigour. More studies of a scientifically rigorous and homogenous nature are necessary, to provide the answer to the magnitude of effect.

            And from the CDC page:

            The quality of the included studies in this review was judged as being of overall moderate quality at best, however, the consistency of reported positive reductions in speed and crash results across all studies show that speed cameras are a worthwhile intervention for reducing the number of road traffic injuries and deaths. To affirm this finding, higher quality studies, using well designed controlled trials where possible, and studies conducted over adequate length of time (including lengthy follow‐up periods) with sufficient data collection points, both before and after the implementation of speed cameras, are needed. As none of the studies were conducted in low‐income countries, research in such settings is also required. There is a greater need for consistency in methods, such as international standards for the collection and reporting of speed and crash data and agreed methods for controlling bias in studies. This would allow more reliable study comparisons across countries, and therefore greater ability to provide stronger scientific evidence for the beneficial effects of speed cameras.

            We also need to compare this against other interventions in terms of cost and effectiveness.

  • Jerry Robbins July 16, 2023 (8:17 pm)

    The person rescued and cut from the vehicle was female not male.  I was on the scene and helped with the human chain to get the young woman up the ladder and onto the grass.  I helped with chest compressions and holding her head to the side to help get the water from her lungs.  Thank you to everyone who came together to assist in helping save this young womans life!

    • WSB July 16, 2023 (8:19 pm)

      Police say the driver cut from the car *on land* was male, and that the one from the submerged car was female, as I reported above.

    • Gillian Ehrlich July 16, 2023 (9:07 pm)

      Jerry- you’re the ED tech? You were amazing. I spelled you with CPR. Humans can be terrifying & amazing. Thank you. 

      • AG July 16, 2023 (9:17 pm)

        Thank you Jerry and Gillian. You’re good folk.

      • Jerry Robbins July 17, 2023 (9:18 am)

        Yes, Gillian, I am the HD guy. You were amazing, thank you for your assistance!!  I am so thankful to everyone who came together to help save this young womans life! Thank you all!

    • West Seattleite July 16, 2023 (9:43 pm)

      Gillian and Jerry and whoever else helped with the rescue- Thank you!  I don’t know any of the people involved, but I am nearly brought to tears knowing a group of good people got her out of the water and put their CPR training to use.  You both/all did good.

    • Galina Derkacheva July 17, 2023 (11:29 am)

      Hey Jerry! This is Galina, I was the one who did chest compressions. As ED tech i did chest compressions so many times but not outside of my job. I want to THANK everybody who got the ladder, broke the window and got the girl out of the water.  Guys, you did amazing!!!! It brings tears to my eyes knowing that we got to be there at the right time.  Praying for the girl !!

      • AG July 17, 2023 (5:11 pm)

        Thank you Galina!

        • Galina Derkacheva July 17, 2023 (5:54 pm)

          Praying for the girl to be alright!!!!

          • Kathy July 18, 2023 (3:36 pm)

            Thank you for helping this young lady. She is my friend’s daughter. 

          • Galina Derkacheva July 18, 2023 (11:53 pm)

            Kathy, I am glad I was there and could help, it’s great news that her condition changed from critical to serious.. Praise God! I keep praying for Maddie’s full recovery!!

      • Jerry Robbins July 17, 2023 (7:14 pm)

        Thank you so much, Galinda!  You were amazing!!

    • Neighbor July 17, 2023 (6:55 pm)

      Thank you for your heroism. 

  • HR July 16, 2023 (8:19 pm)

    The girl in the car was my friend. Just an update she’s stable at the hospital. 

    • WSB July 16, 2023 (8:31 pm)

      Thank you for the update.

      • Galina Derkacheva July 17, 2023 (11:28 am)

        OH thank God!!!! Thank you for the update!

    • Neighbor July 16, 2023 (9:07 pm)

      Such great news! Thanks for this. Also, for the moron who decided to cause this in the first place, he will get a second chance to not do some future stupid crap instead of spending of good chunk of his life in jail for vehicular manslaughter.

    • Midi July 16, 2023 (9:09 pm)

      Thanks for sharing, best wishes to your friend for a speedy recovery

    • Gillian Ehrlich July 16, 2023 (9:09 pm)

      Have they completed a head CT? I’m sorry to ask but please post if you feel comfortable. We did the best we could. I’m so sorry this happened. 

    • AG July 16, 2023 (9:18 pm)

      HR, thanks for the update. Wishing her a complete and speedy recovery. She is in my thoughts tonight.

    • Gatewood88 July 16, 2023 (10:26 pm)

      Thank you for sharing. So glad to hear she is stable. Prayers for a full recovery. 

  • Lamont July 16, 2023 (8:21 pm)

    Jogged over to there half an hour ago and it was still an active investigation.  Saw some people giving the cops a hard time for closing down the street.  People need to realize that this may turn into a vehicular homicide investigation or a major bodily injury / disability lawsuit.  They have to do their jobs, you have to put up with the inconvenience.

    • LetsSue July 16, 2023 (9:34 pm)

      Perhaps alki residents should have a class action lawsuit against the guy for lost enjoyment of our neighborhood.

  • HR July 16, 2023 (8:45 pm)

    The side of the car that was hit

  • Duffy July 16, 2023 (8:50 pm)

    So glad I don’t live near this sh!tshow anymore. 80+ MPH on Alki? How were there not people killed? When is the city going to protect the people who call Alki their home from these heathens that exploit it every day?

    • pagoda July 17, 2023 (2:31 pm)

      I got his by a jimmy johns delivery driver by ws high school and he was going 70 mph+ 10 years ago. In the middle of winter. It happens. He was driving under the influence.

  • Alki Jack July 16, 2023 (8:59 pm)

    MORE SPEED BUMPS, MORE SPEED BUMPS, MORE SPEED BUMPS!

    • AG July 16, 2023 (9:20 pm)

      The residents agree, the cops agree, but someone up the food chain isn’t moving fast enpugh. Never thought this was the kind of thing that would get me to attend local-board meetings, but here we are I guess. Let’s get our speed bumps, Team Alki!

    • Rhonda July 16, 2023 (9:27 pm)

      Speed bumps on public roads should be BANNED State-wide. 

      • Mr J July 16, 2023 (10:40 pm)

        The Libertarian has entered the chat.

        • Danimal July 17, 2023 (12:35 am)

          Why the labeling? I’m not a libertarian, and I want them banned as well. It’s unfair to punish everyone else just because the police can’t or won’t do their jobs, in other words, enforce existing traffic and noise laws.  

        • AG July 17, 2023 (9:35 am)

          She can leave, too. Grownups are talking. 

      • Ly July 17, 2023 (5:17 am)

        Speed bumps are needed. Small inconvenience to pay to decrease this type of activity on Alki. Or did you want someone to get killed first? The speed bumps are overdue and you’re a minority in your opinion. 

  • True North July 16, 2023 (9:03 pm)

    Absolutely SPOT ON!

    • Avalonian July 16, 2023 (9:32 pm)

      Yes to all of it. Enough is enough.

  • Em July 16, 2023 (9:05 pm)

       Maybe Alki could be closed off to non resident and made into a healthy street.Commercial traffic permitted. It certainly isn’t healthy now.

    • Alki resident July 16, 2023 (9:21 pm)

      No thanks, keep Alki open to everyone. Having a closed tourist attraction and happy place for all to enjoy is not healthy to me. 

    • Alki mom July 16, 2023 (9:25 pm)

      Yes. At least in the summer. No parking on Alki Ave, zone the neighborhood, pedestrian only with resident car access. Increase public transit to the park to make it easier for families and others to enjoy the park. Make it harder and less appealing for drunk people to come wreck havoc. No more street racing. No more drunken parties. No more drug deals and homicides. 

      • Rhonda July 16, 2023 (10:42 pm)

        Alki mom, if you want to create a private, exclusive neighborhood at Alki then you should cobble together some investors with a few billion dollars and purchase it from the city (ie; all of us taxpayers). Otherwise, stop pretending that it’s your personal enclave of privilege.

        • Pete July 16, 2023 (11:30 pm)

          All over the world there are car free beaches. I dare say even in the US too. I’m not American so maybe my perspective is a little different.I’m not a home owner. I’m a single parent who got very lucky that the cheapest two bed flat in west Seattle happened to be by the beach. I’m under no illusion that my stay here is permanent.I absolutely do not want a private beach, that would genuinely repulse me. I want a beach that everyone can use. All it’ll take is a little effort and creativity with public transport and it can happen. Car free beaches are a reality all over the world. It might mean bringing a little less with you, or packing a little smarter, but I know people will get the hang of it. It goes without saying that people with disabilities ought to have opportunity to park close.

          • Neighbor July 17, 2023 (5:40 am)

            How do you put charcoal, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, cornhole, and the rest of the beach picnic equipment on a bus?  Especially when everyone has that gear.  And where do people park to get on this bus?  How about we take the simple measure to install speed humps to dissuade the handful of yahoos that are ruining it for everyone else.

          • WS Res July 17, 2023 (8:25 am)

            And all over the world, there are 1) more functional public transit systems, and 2) efforts to keep beach/coastal property exclusive to keep “those people” out.

        • J July 17, 2023 (6:46 am)

          Rhonda: wow, did you totally miss Alki Mom’s point. 
          And Pete: thanks for your constructive comment. You’re on the right track there.

        • Alki Mom July 17, 2023 (8:11 am)

          It’s difficult to imagine the amount of mental gymnastics that goes into thinking that increasing public transit to a beach is akin to privatizing it. What you don’t realize, Rhonda, is that driving and parking your car adjacent to the beach- for free- is privilege. Right now, transit options into Alki are terrible, which makes it hard for those without cars to use the beach, and means almost everyone who comes to this beach, drives here. Good transit options would mean everyone, car owners and non-car owners alike can easily access the beach, waiting no longer than 10 minutes for a bus that takes you home or connects you to a bus that takes you home without having to wait a long time at any junction. That would increase access for loads of people, and making Alki Ave pedestrian-only would increase space for loads of people, and safety for everyone. No one is trying to privatize this valuable, shared resource. 

          • Rhonda July 17, 2023 (1:20 pm)

            “Zone the neighborhood pedestrian only with resident car access” <—— that’s EXACTLY what you wrote, Alki Mom, and it’s defacto privatization of a public venue. We all pay taxes to freely access the area by automobile and have every right to drive there as long as residents have the same street access. Like I said, if you want to live in a private, gated community to keep people who you can’t tolerate out, there’s plenty of such neighborhoods on the Eastside and throughout the Sound waterfront. 

          • Alki Mom July 20, 2023 (10:06 pm)

            Rhonda, a zoned neighborhood means residents can pay for permits to park for extended periods while others are limited to two hours. It is a common method used all over seattle to manage parking in areas that draw a large volume of public visitors, like Alki. Folks who don’t live in the neighborhood can still visit it by car and park. And if they increase public transit, people who don’t live in Alki have other ways of visiting the neighborhood for longer periods of time. This is not privatization. It’s normal all throughout seattle. Very common. 

      • Alki resident July 16, 2023 (11:12 pm)

        Seattle zoned parking has to be requested by residents. I’d sign on!

      • Ly July 17, 2023 (5:21 am)

        Yes to this. Close off the street to cars but open to public buses. Permit parking would be good too. On the other note I am so glad the lady pulled from the water is stable in the hospital. Cannot imagine if that car swiped out families biking on the side of the street. We are overdue for some major changes to Alki in the summer. 

      • West Seattle Resident July 17, 2023 (6:57 am)

        “Pedestrian only with resident car access”You don’t own the beach, so absolutely not. Beach tags maybe, but basically making it a residential only beach? NO. You have to accept this is a public area. It’s literally the only beach in Seattle that has restaurants and activities directly on the strip. This is a public space and will continue to be.I live at the Junction and pay A TON in rent (more than my friend who lives on Alki) to have the convenience of being able to drive to the beach easily with my dog. Public transportation only allows service animals and small dogs in carriers and I have a husky. So, no, you will not disenfranchise me, a law abiding citizen who pays their massive rent on time every month, because you are fragile. That also wouldn’t even stop non residents from speeding as they would either A. Ignore the “residents only” sign and still race or B. Only race and not park or C. Race and park further away where it isn’t “residential”No no no.The city just needs to listen and add flipping speed bumps.

        • WESREZZO July 17, 2023 (10:57 am)

          Dogs are allowed on KC metro, fyi. 

        • neighbor July 17, 2023 (11:06 am)

          FYI, Metro absolutely allows large dogs. I see them on the bus every day.

        • Pete July 17, 2023 (11:27 am)

          A whole lot of straw men in this thread. 

        • other neighbor July 17, 2023 (2:26 pm)

          No one has suggested restricting the BEACH, and anyone suggesting that they’re trying to create a private enclave is being disingenuous. The beach is and will always be a public park. What’s being suggested, and should be considered seriously, is restricting VEHICLES. As many others have noted, there are lots of other ways to access the beach without driving on Alki Avenue. It would be easy to run beach shuttles at frequent intervals from the unused park and ride under the bridge, and for those people who have so much stuff they need multiple trips, they could park in the neighborhood. All of this is doable, and none of it takes away the public beach.

  • Hr July 16, 2023 (9:13 pm)

    How about speed enforced cameras instead of speed bumps?

    • Alki Resident July 16, 2023 (9:37 pm)

      Will never work. There a ton of people that use the road for racing and they often don’t have license plates displayed. For example, this was the case this morning at 2 AM.

    • Lamont July 16, 2023 (9:40 pm)

      Why do you think the guy doing 90mph down Alki would have been worried about getting a ticket in the mail?

    • KT July 16, 2023 (10:51 pm)

      This has been proven to work. There was just a conversation about this on KUOW. 

      • AG July 17, 2023 (5:15 pm)

        The fourth-best public radio station in Seattle? 🤪 No. In this situation we’re in, with funding and staffing as they are, speed bumps can do what cameras cannot. Call back when you’ve solved the staffing and civil-liberties issues with camera enforcement, but no one has time to wait for that call.

    • Blbl July 17, 2023 (11:16 pm)

      So we can send the speeder a speeding ticket after they kill someone? One that doesn’t even go on their record? I’m sure that will stop all the vehicular assaults.  

  • Admyrl Byrd July 16, 2023 (9:25 pm)

    wondering if there could be a design that would go further than just speed bumps on Alki – perhaps rotaries or even segmenting off Alki so that you could go no further than Bonaire, or bonaire-59th, 59th-63rd, something like that which would still allow locals access and business traffic through.  Perhaps these new condo proposals need to give some land back to allow more radical redesign of the roadway.  The more you can get it away from being a tempting speedway that you’re never going to enforce, the better.

    • Alki Resident July 16, 2023 (10:01 pm)

      I’d be willing to consider that …. after we first install speed bumps. After that we can discuss any other options and once that is in place, we can remove the speed bumps. 

    • West Seattle Resident July 17, 2023 (6:43 am)

      What about folks with disabilities who can’t walk super far or back up a hill?Also Bonaire unfortunately would not be able to handle that heavy increase in traffic. It’s a small road in a neighborhood with some blind spots around corners and a one way exit to go towards admiral either of the two ways.We asked for speed bumps in May. SDOT didn’t do it. They are an accomplice to this crime as far as I am concerned.

      • admyrl byrd July 17, 2023 (11:30 am)

        You could engineer things to allow pedestrians (and bicyclists) to continue to be able to use the full length of the Harbor/Alki strip while forcing cars to be self contained within certain loops.  WRT Bonaire, there’s room to build out a wider road – if there was the will and the money.  Moreover though, you could make the loop one way (downhill) and have traffic then divert into either the harbor loop (turn right) or the 59th loop (turn left).  No real reason to have to go uphill in that scenario.

        • alki_2008 July 17, 2023 (6:35 pm)

          And how would this work for emergency vehicles?  There are numerous emergency responses in the beach neighborhood, not just for residents but also for beachgoers on land and in the water.
          .
          And how about delivery trucks? Large trucks need to access the business strip for deliveries. Having those truck use the narrow side streets would likely end up with many stuck trucks.

  • Avalonian July 16, 2023 (9:30 pm)

    Thanks to all those who helped. What a terrible situation.Reality is, I see cars speeding, going the wrong way at all hours, in both lanes 100% of the times I head over this summer. That victim could have been any one of us.Speed bumps aren’t doing enough to help. They race between them.They don’t ticket people loitering in the boat lot, and rarely pull people over and ticket them on the road. Total failure of public safety.And to the cruisers… we know what you are compensating for. You aren’t fooling anyone.

    • Alki Resident July 16, 2023 (10:03 pm)

      I disagree the speed bumps aren’t helping. No one does 100 mph on the speed bumps or between them. On the long stretches between the speed bumps and the beach, people do close to 100 mph EVERY SINGLE DAY.

  • AlkiD July 16, 2023 (9:50 pm)

    Thank you to the neighbor who brought over the ladder to the water,  knife to cut her seatbelt off,  tool to break the window to get her out,  to those that performed CPR,  and to the neighbors who helped stop traffic til the responders arrived.   

  • Kj July 16, 2023 (9:59 pm)

    How did the bystanders remove the woman from her car in the water? Was the tide high enough that they able to jump down there? I remember that area being pretty rocky off the ledge there 

    • Neighbors July 17, 2023 (12:36 am)

      2 of my neighbors jumped off the wall. Two bystanders jumped in.  My neighbors and carried our ladder to the wall and where able to pull her up . It was traumatizing to all witnesses 

      • WS Res July 17, 2023 (8:28 am)

        Please thank your neighbors if you can. Everyone who helped is a true hero and should be honored by the city if possible. I’m grateful to know that there were so many selfless people around.

  • Lucy July 16, 2023 (10:04 pm)

    Just now,  the cars are back at it again.  

  • M July 16, 2023 (10:15 pm)

    Not shocking behavior from the many garbage dudes I see driving around our neighborhood on a regular basis. Hoping the victim will be okay–just awful. I’m so sick of the lasting damage that this anti-social behavior causes in our society. 

  • West Seattle Enviornmentalist July 16, 2023 (10:25 pm)

    Speed bumps on Harbor Ave SW, too, please.  The racing goes north from Westside Bikes to the 7 Eleven and then they circle round and drive the opposite direction.  I can hear them racing as I type.  The driver who caused this afternoon’s crash will have to deal with his actions no matter how well the injured woman recovers (holding her in my thoughts).  He’ll get a ticket for reckless driving and for speeding as well having issues with his insurance coverage and possibly a civil lawsuit brought by the woman whom he injured.  I agree that Alki/Harbor Ave neighbors should file a suit against The City,  SDOT and SPD for reckless endangerment.  Every time I cross the street to walk my dog at Jack Block, it’s like a game of Russian Roulette.  Our side of the street has broken concrete sidewalks, running water and mud, and derelict RVs so not many choices.  I could drive to another neighborhood or park.   But, of course, then I am burning fossil fuel to take the dog out.

  • Star55 July 16, 2023 (10:28 pm)

    I live on Genessee Hill and have  driven to Alki every day for the past 35 years to do my daily walk. I have absolutely no issue with speed bumps. Sorry we all have to suffer for the village idiots but if it save an innocent lives so be it. There isn’t a day goes by that we don’t see speeding on Alki. I totally understand there not being enough law enforcement to cover all areas….

  • maui July 16, 2023 (10:31 pm)

    It’s pretty obvious, if there’s a beautiful beach front there’s going to be speed car racers, comes with the territory.  Come on Seattle, incorporate speed bumps on Alki from A-Z, not rocket science.  As far as regular citizens feeling bumps might put wear on their cars, really?  

  • eatbat3 July 16, 2023 (10:43 pm)

    Let’s start with Speed Bumps all along Alki Ave. 

  • Vicki July 16, 2023 (10:46 pm)

    Her name is Maddy..She dates my nephew…our lives are forever changed tonight…I’m praying for Maddy …right now..please join me..”.Heavenly Father…I ask for healing for Maddy…I ask for her comfort and peace..to be with her now…and all around her….give her skilled Dr.s..and give her family light and love ..I ask this in your holy name…Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers…”..Thankyou

    • Neighbor July 16, 2023 (11:21 pm)

      Praying with you ♥️ 

    • Dave July 17, 2023 (12:16 am)

      Amen.

    • Neighbors July 17, 2023 (12:32 am)

      Vicki,  She had people fighting to get her out safely.  I live in the building and the entire building is offering strength love and prayers.  

      • Galina Derkacheva July 17, 2023 (1:11 pm)

        Please keep us updated about the girl condition when possible! Thank you!

    • Lisab July 17, 2023 (12:35 am)

      So sorry. Praying too.

    • Galina Derkacheva July 17, 2023 (1:01 pm)

      Praying with you!!!

    • AG July 17, 2023 (5:16 pm)

      Thanks Vicki. Holding Maddy in my thoughts today.

  • Joe July 16, 2023 (10:53 pm)

    Only keep one of the driving lanes for one-way traffic. Pedestrianize the rest. I honestly hate the speed bumps and don’t think they work. Let’s look to some other solutions.

    • Alki Resident July 17, 2023 (6:15 am)

      they absolutely work.  No one does a 100 mph where there are speed bumps. At most 40 mph which is no where as deadly as 100 mph. We need to extend the speed bumps to every pedestrian crossing on Alki.

    • West Seattle Resident July 17, 2023 (6:31 am)

      How the heck do they not work?They might be annoying, but they 100 percent work.They used to do this crap on the skyline side, but after they installed bumps there they just go to the more populated beach side. We told the city we needed more bumps there and they ignored us and played the we don’t have funding card (BS)

    • D-Ridge July 17, 2023 (3:06 pm)

      Agreed, make it one way in, one way out. Use that additional lane for more pedestrian/bike space which is sorely needed.

  • Kat July 16, 2023 (10:59 pm)

    Only hours after this horrific accident, I’m listening from a block off Alki to cars screaming down the road, their engines roaring so loudly that my windows rattle and the floorboards vibrate. I love my neighborhood, but the utter lack of enforcement of community laws or consequences for those who blatantly — gleefully — disregard them is infuriating. Tonight, apparently, it doesn’t even matter that one of these worthless punks who charge up and down the road and terrorize the neighborhood sent a woman careening INTO THE SOUND.  Is it truly THAT hard to monitor traffic and enforce simple laws???

    • Alki_Neighbor July 17, 2023 (10:50 am)

      Unfortunately we can’t count on SPD to do anything for us here – that’s been demonstrated already. Agree with the majority that the combination of passive systems (speed bumps) and cameras is probably the best next step.

      I wish the cameras could somehow also record / locate sound and ticket the offenders for breaking those laws but I don’t think this technology has been developed / would be accepted. The detrimental effects to human health of loud noises such as modified mufflers has recently been shared by the NY Times.

  • Alki Jack July 16, 2023 (11:12 pm)

    If you are going the speed limit and your vehicle hasn’t been illegally lowered, the speed bumps are not a problem. Plus if they are spaced evenly apart and not too far apart, you can only go the speed limit without causing damage to your vehicle. Speed bumps are our only opportunity to slow this racers down. Plus the vehicles with the loud popping exhaust systems must be ticketed. We deserve the right to enjoy our homes and condominiums. If it’s a monetary issue for the city, we will personally help pay for the speed bumps and I know many, many others who will gladly contribute. So City Council don’t say you don’t have the funds.

    • my two cents July 17, 2023 (3:54 pm)

      AlkiJack … “ your vehicle hasn’t been illegally lowered, the speed bumps are not a problem.” Uhhhmmm … that would be a “no” (speaking from an actual perspective).

  • maui July 16, 2023 (11:47 pm)

    Speed bumps are the only opportunity to slow the racers down. We have to put up with the speed bumps in the mall parking lots, so why not tolerate them where they could really protect people’s lives?  Let’s go Seattle… #no time to wait  #speeding is off the charts 

  • Grateful July 16, 2023 (11:56 pm)

    Dips in the road, known at vados in Mexico, work well to slow traffic.  They are several inches deep.   Pot holes on the back side of speedbumps also do the trick.    

    • admyrl byrd July 17, 2023 (11:34 am)

      I like the idea of potholes on the backside.  It’s good to let the evil in you out…soon you too will join Vader and the Emperor….

  • Canton July 17, 2023 (12:00 am)

    Excessive speed activated spike strips? Loosing all your tires in one bad decision would make a costly point.

    • Neighbor July 17, 2023 (5:45 am)

      Yeah good idea send speeding cars out of control in a heavily populated area.  I’m sure that won’t cause any problems

  • Neighbors July 17, 2023 (12:23 am)

    I typically would not comment on a public forum.  Just offering  clarification . The young lady( friend of the resident) that was turning into our apartment building was hit by the speeding vehicle doing at 75-80mph Absolutely no brakes were applied before the impact. The young ladies car was hit with such impact it sent the vehicle flying across the street ,sidewalk ,and rear-end first into water. My amazing neighbors and bystanders jumped directly off the wall into the water . My neighbors and I arrived with our ladder seconds later.We had resident throwing objects off the building to brake her window as it submerged under water.Neighbors and bystanders administered CPR . The other driver ( injured) and passengers( fled the scene) of the other car had been witnessed passing other cars all the way up Alki. It’s not the section of Alki that has speed bumps. They race nightly and could  post a thousand of pictures of people almost being hit at the crosswalks. It was a traumatic event to the many people involved. Please be safe. Slow down Please. 

    • Neighbor July 17, 2023 (5:12 am)

      Thank you for this clarification of the facts.  And thank you for taking action to save the young woman’s life.  I missed this scene by only minutes but I’m glad there are neighbors willing to leap into action when necessary.

    • momosmom July 17, 2023 (7:17 am)

      I could be wrong and I didn’t listen to the video but you say there were passengers that ran from the car that caused this accident? Did anyone tell the SPD this?

      • WSB July 17, 2023 (10:15 am)

        I asked SPD and SFD again today. No passengers were reported.

    • Pinto July 17, 2023 (8:21 am)

      That poor woman is extremely lucky to have amazing neighbors like you. Thank you so much for jumping into action to save somebody’s life.do the residents in the apartments/condos on Alki have a block watch? Since the police aren’t able to provide the support needed – seems like residents along that stretch might want to organize together 

    • Autumn July 18, 2023 (12:59 pm)

      Thank you and to your neighbors if you know who they all are tell them I’m so thankful. She’s my bestfriend and without you all I don’t believe she would have made it. She just got off the ventilator and is breathing on her own now 

  • Mom July 17, 2023 (2:13 am)

    I am the mother of the female whose car was hit and submerged.   She remains in critical condition and I ask for prayers for her.Thank you everyone for saving my daughter!  I can not imagine what you all had to do but am very grateful for a community that didn’t think twice about jumping into action.  Thank you again!

    • Plf July 17, 2023 (12:42 pm)

      Mom, please know that you have the prayers and thoughts of this community as your daughter struggles to improveI can’t imagine what you are going through but know this community does care

    • Neighbors July 17, 2023 (12:54 pm)

      To Mom, We did everything in our power to help Madison and all I want to do is hug her myself.  We all are sending strength and love and prayers.  

    • TB July 17, 2023 (2:20 pm)

      To Mom – my wife and I happened to be standing near the spot where your daughter’s car was hit yesterday (yes, we gave our info to the police).    We both kept remarking that we hoped someone had located this poor woman’s mom to tell her what happened.   I can’t imagine the difficulty you’re facing right now, but a whole community of people has her, you, and the rest of your family in their prayers.

    • Galina Derkacheva July 17, 2023 (2:38 pm)

      I have been praying for Maddie since last light, may God heal her !!!! 

    • Suzanne July 17, 2023 (11:26 pm)

      To Mom, My heart goes out to you, your precious daughter Madison, and your family. Our family and WS friends are all praying for you, and holding you close in our hearts. I know that the entire WS community is holding you in prayer and hope for your daughter.   

    • Galina Derkacheva July 18, 2023 (12:59 pm)

      Good morning! I just wanted to check in and see how Maddison is doing. We keep praying for her fast recovery! 🙏🙏🙏

  • Revdoc July 17, 2023 (2:50 am)

    The only way to stop this kind of thing is to have a focused and consistent law enforcement presence as well as traffic calming measures like bumps. That works but clearly Seattle government hasn’t made this a priority. And don’t tell me there are no cops: I’ve seen them hanging out at the beach all the time doing nothing. 

    • J July 17, 2023 (7:14 pm)

      I saw 4 motorcycle cops today. The thing is, it was about 10:30 am (today, Monday). Who is doing the schedule for these guys? There are no problems mid-morning on a Monday. Something’s not right with these guys. 

      • Jay July 18, 2023 (1:25 pm)

        Speed ticketing is generally about revenue, not safety. Pulling commuters gets a lot of tickets that will be paid. High amount of revenue per time spent. Real police work like cracking down on racing is more difficult and has a lower monetary ROI. Our safety isn’t a primary or even secondary priority. 

  • 22blades July 17, 2023 (6:03 am)

    I was headed away from the response at the time. It is beyond me how people do not pull off to the right for Fire, Police or Aid/Ambulances. If you are at an intersection blocking progress, move over! I can’t believe I have to say this but the idea is to get out of their way. Not stopping.

    • Just wondering July 17, 2023 (1:25 pm)

      Even before 9-11 I always pulled over for “lights and sirens” but since then I remember that day as I’m pulling over.

  • West Seattle Resident July 17, 2023 (6:22 am)

    So basically the city should have listened to us back in the May meeting when we all begged for speed bumps on the beach side after the murder at Whale Tail and massive Tik Tok Party. They said no, DOT doesn’t have funding or that, despite raising our gas tax in January by a whopping 60 cents a gallon, which I am pretty sure goes to DOT.So all that extra money and they denied us speed bumps in that beach strip.And now innocent people are hurt. Again. This city has so much blood on their hands.Too many imbeciles both commuting stupid crimes and imbeciles in state/county/city positions misappropriating/wasting tax money over implement measures to keep citizens safe.Seattle keeps failing us.

    • bill July 17, 2023 (10:10 am)

      The city does not have a fuel tax.

      • West Seattle Resident July 17, 2023 (4:57 pm)

        You’re right, it’s namely state tax.I do want to add:“In November 2015, Seattle voters approved a 9-year, $930 million transportation Levy to Move Seattle, providing funding to improve safety for all travelers, maintain our streets and bridges, and invest in reliable, affordable travel options for a growing city. The levy provides roughly 30% of the City’s transportation budget and replaces the 9-year, $365 Bridging the Gap levy approved by voters in 2006.“https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/about-us/fundingEmphasis on the public safety allocation.

  • CB July 17, 2023 (7:46 am)

    Is that the driver and passengers of the car that hit the young lady in 1st picture?

  • Derick July 17, 2023 (8:04 am)

    This would be a great example of a question for the candidates looking to serve on the city council representing our neighborhood – what would your plan be to address safety on Alki. I would love to hear the answers. 

    • admyrl byrd July 17, 2023 (11:37 am)

      WSB / Tracy – have you put that out there as a possible posting and response?  I for one would definitely love to hear what the candidates would do about this specific problem.

      • Ken July 17, 2023 (2:27 pm)

        @ Admyrl Byrd – Excellent question/comment. I too would very much like to know the candidates input regarding speed bumps and/or other traffic calming measures.

  • Another long term AlkiResident July 17, 2023 (8:27 am)

    Seattle Police, City Council, and Parks Dept must be held accountable for what has been allowed to happen to Alki for the last 4 years.  We, the hundreds of residents that live on this stretch of Alki have complained and complained. Letters are written, calls to 911, calls the the non-emergency number, attending meetings, talking with individual police officers pleading for action.   I was specifically told by more than one police officer that they will not address speeding on Alki, as they dont want to further alienate the people who visit the beach.  I have asked at least pull them over and give a warning – niente. This year, in the stretch of 1200-1500 Alki, 5 cars have been totaled by speeding or careless drives. One neighbor I heard yesterday calls this stretch the Alki Speedway.  Even residents who live on the beach frequently do not follow the speedlimit,  I have lived on Alki for 27 years, and support making the entire stretch a healthy street, subject to stickers for residents to gain access to their homes along the stretch. Please city — help protect our safety and sanity.    Today was a nice day and its amazing that a family was not struck by the car that was speeding or the poor car that got spun into the water.

    • Musu July 17, 2023 (9:36 am)

      Maybe we all need to go protest on the steps of City Hall.  Otherwise, I don’t think much will help.

  • HP2 July 17, 2023 (8:32 am)

    My daughter was hit in a similar fashion on 16 th near SSCC several years ago and severely injured.. There is mental as well as physical trauma involved for the victim and her family .Praying for her and hope they throw the book at the other selfish driver.

  • Marcus July 17, 2023 (8:39 am)

    I am really angry that the City of Seattle has allowed this street racing to continue jeopardizing public safety.  Fix it Seattle, Fix it!

  • WSeaLady July 17, 2023 (9:50 am)

    Has a GoFundMe been set up or shared? i didn’t see anything. I really struggle with wanting vengeance for her and try to find positive ways to help her and her family. But MAN do I want the name and address of this jagoff.

    • Westwood July 17, 2023 (10:32 am)

      And what exactly would you do with that information? 

      • Jay July 17, 2023 (11:35 am)

        In the past I’ve reached out to reckless drivers like this and reminded them that they are members of the community and not anonymous. Removing anonymity from these people is a powerful tool. Facebook messages, phone calls, etc. I like to find bad people and just reach out to them so that they know someone is paying attention to them and knows who they are and where they live. I think a lot of the time they don’t see themselves as members of a
        community but rather that we’re all just “non-playable characters” in
        their way.

    • L July 17, 2023 (10:05 pm)

      https://gofund.me/1d24d43eAny contribution is greatly appreciated! Thank you for all of the support.

  • Snowman & Fred July 17, 2023 (10:28 am)

    I suggest a slow rolling roadblock made up of locals, driving 15mph down both sides of the street from 10pm-2am. If there are enough people, no one can pass, and the racers would look elsewhere. If you’ve seen Smokey and the Bandit, you know what I am talking about. The city doesn’t care, and the police are too busy dealing with more dangerous/violent crimes. The citizens need to take action. Saying “someone should do something” won’t fix the problem. If enough people want to partake, it might make a difference.

    • flimflam July 17, 2023 (11:02 am)

      That’s not a bad idea – of course it may also lead to road rage/violence from the racer types that have already shown they care little about the potential consequences of their actions.

    • Rhonda July 17, 2023 (2:27 pm)

      What you’re suggesting is illegal vigilantism and could get people assaulted and killed. Some of the most dangerous people on earth visit Seattle parks and use public roads. Advocating residents taunting and provoking them is foolish.

      • CAM July 17, 2023 (6:15 pm)

        Driving on a public road just below the speed limit is vigilantism and illegal and would get people murdered? I’m going to need some deep explanation of that logical leap. 

        • Rhonda July 17, 2023 (8:24 pm)

          RCW 46.61.425

          Minimum speed regulationPassing slow moving vehicle.

          (1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation.

          • CAM July 18, 2023 (12:14 am)

            I’m pretty sure that 5 mph under the speed limit is not impeding the flow of traffic, except for the traffic that can’t tolerate having to slow down for speed humps, pedestrians, crosswalks, stop signs, etc. It literally frightens me that you get to interpret the law and arrest people sometimes. 

          • Snowman and Fred July 18, 2023 (11:30 am)

            I suggest a slow rolling roadblock made up of locals, driving 21mph (hows that Rhonda?) down both sides of the street from 10pm-2am. If there are enough people, no one can pass, and the racers would look elsewhere. If you’ve seen Smokey and the Bandit, you know what I am talking about. The city doesn’t care, and the police are too busy dealing with more dangerous/violent crimes. The citizens need to take action. Saying “someone should do something” won’t fix the problem. If enough people want to partake, it might make a difference.

          • Rhonda July 18, 2023 (2:39 pm)

            Snowman and Fred, pay particular attention to C:

            https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9A.84.030

    • Jay July 18, 2023 (9:51 am)

      If you make a Facebook event for this and post it in local groups I’ll join in. Maybe 15 or 30 minute slots to cruise.

  • foop July 17, 2023 (10:41 am)

    Everyone wants to ‘stop street racing’ but no one wants to fully pedestrianize heavily pedestrian parts of the city. This is what happens when you prioritize cars over people. I rode my bike through there earlier in the day, stopped at ampersand for some coconut coldbrew and a scone as I do whenever I can get over to Alki. I’m glad I wasn’t down there later. I haven’t driven to Alki in 4+ years nor do I want to as is and yet I find ways to enjoy the beach still, so this idea that people have of pedestrianization making it exclusive is and old and tired myth.

    • Neighbor July 17, 2023 (11:49 am)

      How do you suggest a family from outside the neighborhood brings their kids and bbq/beach supplies on foot or by public transit?

      • flimflam July 17, 2023 (1:09 pm)

        @neighbor, good question – personally, I think the safety issues and potential for deaths and massive injuries from the crazy drivers out weigh pretty much everything else

      • SJ July 17, 2023 (1:15 pm)

        Park nearby and walk a whole block or two? Have 30 minute load/unload zones? This is a trivially solvable problem and your straw-man argument is utterly unconvincing.

      • Kat July 17, 2023 (3:31 pm)

        In a backpack? In a wheeled cooler? In a tote bag? Little ones in a stroller or carriage? 

      • Patrick July 17, 2023 (8:54 pm)

        I put my older one in a backpack with snacks and drinks, younger one in the front pack, and then have a beach bag for towels, sunscreen, toys, etc.  And I walk from Taco Time and it only takes 45 min each way.  When they get older, I’ll switch to a cargo bike.

      • Als July 19, 2023 (8:38 pm)

        Maybe some people need to reconsider what a good time looks like – and leave some of these things at home. Because, let’s be real, a good number of people that do what you’re describing, trash the beach, and leave their coals, burnt wood, and cups and food and everything else, all over the sand. I’m good with them not being able to come by. 

  • Alki Jack July 17, 2023 (10:45 am)

    I have often thought of that. It would would work. I would volunteer for that. Would need a brief meeting ahead of time to discuss the do’s and don’t’s. SPD is short staffed so we can’t seem to get any help from them. Sometimes you need to take things into your own hands. 

  • JW July 17, 2023 (11:06 am)

    I think the guy who caused the accident should be forced to sit  in his victims room and have to look at what he did to her . 

    • Oh Seattle July 17, 2023 (12:45 pm)

      Scroll upthread and see TB’s comment.  TB spoke with the driver who caused the crash and he’s already said he “doesn’t give a sh!t” about what happened to the other driver. This is a defective human and being forced to sit in the victim’s room would likely result in nothing but complaints of boredom from him. 

      • WhatisHappening July 17, 2023 (2:11 pm)

        Oh Seattle — yes, he is a defective human. You called it perfectly. 

        • Lisab July 17, 2023 (4:11 pm)

          Sounds like a terrible human being. Throw the book at him.

      • CAM July 18, 2023 (12:25 am)

        I have no idea if that quote is or is not accurate. But I do think we all need to be taking such inflammatory information from anonymous sources on the Internet with many more grains of salt rather than just assuming they are true. In another comment in this thread someone says they are the victim’s friend and she is in stable condition which is inconsistent with every other report of her condition from other sources. Just because someone has an Internet connection doesn’t make them honest. 

        • WSB July 18, 2023 (1:52 pm)

          At the time she may well have been stabil*ized* and yet in critical condition. As I just posted upthread (Tuesday), she has improved to serious condition, per Harborview.

    • Niko July 17, 2023 (1:04 pm)

      Should have his license taken away and get 5 years minimum with how reckless he was being he might as well have been firing a gun wildly

  • Ferns July 17, 2023 (1:13 pm)

    Wouldn’t several speeding photo ticket cameras be helpful? There would at least be photographic evidence of the driver, vehicle even if stolen, and proof of speed. If the person were drunk driving, they’d have to be smart enough ahead of time to disguise themselves so I think this would catch a number of super speeders (not just 14 miles over the limit but maybe 20+) who are also pretty stupid. But really why is this heavily used public beach any less important to protect pedestrians at with anti speed zones than the speed zones around the schools that have these photo cameras –  like on delridge? We all deserve safety and no driver can claim they have a right to speed 15-20+ over the speed limit. 

    • StuckInWestSeattle July 17, 2023 (3:04 pm)

      Not to mention any other vehicles involved.

    • AG July 17, 2023 (5:25 pm)

      Not for nothing, but you do know how easy it is in Seattle to get out of a camera ticket, right? There’s literally a form, or if you’re fancy you know the law firm to call for getting tickets tossed / dialed down. (Yes, have used JM to get out of a ticket; I ain’t proud. In my defense I was driving in Nebraska at the time and you’d speed too.)

  • DRW July 17, 2023 (4:14 pm)

    Im surprised everyone didn’t die in this accident. The video is wild.https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/surveillance-video-shows-crash-that-sent-car-flying-into-puget-sound-waters-critically-injuring-woman

    • 1994 July 17, 2023 (10:18 pm)

      Amazing that no one on the recreation path was injured or hit by this horrible crash.  Speedy recovery to the female driver. No house arrest or confinement for the other driver like the dude who killed the cyclist last year! Just outrageous a person’s negligent behavior  while driving that results in death is only on home arrest or confinement. WA State vehicular assault and homicide laws need to be changed with higher punishments for drivers who kill! 

  • Doug Rambo July 17, 2023 (5:34 pm)

    I would really like to know what has happened to the defective human who caused this tragedy?

    • WSB July 17, 2023 (6:29 pm)

      He is 23 years old, was placed under arrest, but was not booked into jail as he had to be taken to the hospital. I don’t have his name yet so I don’t know his condition, nor do I know (police have yet to reply to my followup question) what *potential* charge(s) he was arrested for (e.g. DUI or …). Still waiting on many followup answers … TR

      • Doug Rambo July 17, 2023 (6:44 pm)

        Thank you for your response.

      • bradley July 18, 2023 (9:25 am)

        One of the earlier commenters on scene stated a passenger fled.  Any reports to that?  Is the first picture above of the aerial a photo of the driver and/or passenger?

  • Alki Resident July 17, 2023 (5:35 pm)

    Horrific what happened. I feel helpless but myself and others have emailed the mayor and city council members asking for action/solutions to deter and/or prevent in the future. I hope the person responsible faces charges. 

  • Admiral-2009 July 17, 2023 (5:38 pm)

    It’s time to put the focus on the idiot driver who caused this incident.  I hope the the perp had good insurance, I would wager no!  (The State has a mandatory insurance law that needs to be strengthened significantly). This perp needs to be held fully accountable and responsible for all medical expenses incurred by the innocent victim.  

  • Marcus July 17, 2023 (6:32 pm)

    Be a long time in the making however I think the city of Seattle should be sued for allowing such repeatable instances that lead to this accident and injury.  All the letters and emails and phone call records are surely proof of notification.  The city needs to be held accountable for repeated failures to fix a public safety issue.

    • Gatewood88 July 17, 2023 (9:17 pm)

      Completely agree. I hope the victim in this crash and/or her family are able to sue both the causing driver and the city . This was an entirely preventable tragedy. I’m so sad for this young woman. 

      • Alki Resident 100 July 19, 2023 (12:58 am)

        The police should be held responsible too.
        They blatantly ignore this behavior when they are here during the day and are absent when it’s happening all through the night. They could catch twenty people easily in a night.

  • West Seattle Environmentalist July 17, 2023 (7:33 pm)

    Just listened in on the SU/SPD zoom conference.  Per SPD, one of the main accelerators for racing  on Alki/Harbor is the inability to “police” the Don Armini Boat Ramp.  The racers and trick drivers congregate there and the only deterrents are 1) the entrance gate is closed at 10:30 PM so the racers enter through the exit and 2) a SPD officer is there from approximately 10:30 to 11:30 PM to advise people that the boat ramp is closed and they must leave.  It seems as though The Parks Dept should a) install a 2nd gate to close off the exit and b) put a Parks Dept officer into the boat ramp area or a traffic cam with a sign stating that the ramp is patrolled by camera.  They can do it.  SDOT has a camera on the corner of Thistle and 35th for traffic control.  Additionally, SPD has asked citizens to report reckless and speeding driving to 911.  We questioned the use of 911 for this purpose but SPD asked that we please use 911 so they can compile the number of complaints and use it for resourcing police.

  • Shay C July 17, 2023 (8:37 pm)

    * Hopefully the victim sues the anti-social driver* Hopefully the victim also sues the city for non-enforcement of existing laws which is tacit approval of illegal activities* Why the need to race in a residential area? Can you not become a Formula One driver and get paid to do it?* Close down the whole streets for civilians (not for ambulance etc) and make exceptions for delivery cars* If closing down street, make a roundabout at every cross street, single-lane only* Enforce noise ordinance and speed limit with the help of camerasUntil then, taxpayers are forced to leave because what’s the point of having a nice view if you can die just cycling around while observing orcas and blue herons.

  • Alki Jack July 17, 2023 (9:09 pm)

    The problem on Alki Ave is not just speeding. I have lived on the street for years. Every night until 2 or 3AM it’s constant stand on it acceleration to about 40 or so, rubber burning, drifting, or it’s keeping it in a low gear till the rpm’s get up there and then dumping the throttle and Bang, Bang, Bang, sounds like gun fire. Or Harleys going by with straight pipes, no mufflers, constantly pulling in the clutch like the engine won’t idle, with radios absolutely blaring. These exhaust systems are illegal. This must come to a stop. People are not getting to enjoy the beach as they should be able to do. Now a women is in critical condition as a direct result of the lack of enforcement by SPD because of staffing issues. MORE SPEED BUMPS. 

  • HNO July 17, 2023 (9:45 pm)

    Hello everyone, friend of Madison here. Y’all are an incredible community and we are so grateful for all of the support and love you have provided. Someone in this thread asked about a GoFundMe, and another friend has created one to help raise funds for Madison and her family: https://gofund.me/1d24d43e Any contribution is deeply appreciated. 

    • Galina Derkacheva July 17, 2023 (11:23 pm)

      I posted the link on my Facebook page, I hope we can help the family to raise some money! 

    • Suzanne July 17, 2023 (11:43 pm)

      HNO, Thank you so much for letting us know about the Go Fund Me to help  Madison and her family. Contributed. Wish I could do more…. So senseless.  This horror never should have happened. Thank god for the good Samaritans who immediately jumped into action to save Madison.
       

    • HNO July 20, 2023 (12:48 pm)

      Thank you so much, Galina and Suzanne. We are eternally grateful for everything this community has done to support, yourselves included. <3

  • CR July 17, 2023 (10:54 pm)

    I’ve been a WS resident for 25 years.  In the good old days we had a highly visible police presence on Alki during the popular months and especially on weekends.  They were very visible on bikes, horseback, the mobile van, motorcycles and patrol cars.  It was a very safe and welcoming environment.  Rather than all the dialog on speed bumps and camera’s, maybe think about properly funding the police and enforcing the existing laws.   If SPD was properly staffed, it’s pretty easy to have big visibility and presence.  If you are a trouble maker, there are very few ways to exit Alki and can be easily arrested.   Pretty easy fix.  Vote wisely in the upcoming election!

    • CAM July 18, 2023 (12:18 am)

      SPD is fully funded and their positions are fully funded. They have not had any reduction in their budget or in the # of positions. They are not fully staffed but that is not related to budgeting. 

    • bill July 18, 2023 (12:32 am)

      The police are properly funded. Can we get over the delusion the department was defunded? There are lots of funded, open positions. “Voting wisely” isn’t going to fix the problem of attracting new officers.

      • Seattlite July 18, 2023 (8:28 am)

        Why have so many police officers left SPD leaving a police officer shortage?  Why don’t qualified police officers want to hire onto SPD?

        • Lens July 18, 2023 (1:11 pm)

          The city is 600 officers short. That’s a huge number. The city council vilified the Seattle Police department. They are also hog tied from doing normal policing functions. What sane person would want to be a police officer in Seattle?All risk and zero reward. 

  • Runner July 18, 2023 (6:46 am)

    Yes it will make a difference! No law enforcement person wants to work for a city government that threats them like they are the problem, not the criminals that they have to deal with every day.  

  • Ngoc Nguyen July 18, 2023 (8:30 am)

    Who is the driver? Will he be identified? 

    • WSB July 18, 2023 (9:21 am)

      If he is charged, yes. But sometimes that takes a long time – maybe months, such as in the case of the West Seattle Bridge crash that killed two, for example.

  • N Admiral July 18, 2023 (10:01 am)

    Proposed next steps to improve safety:1. Throw the suspect in jail for 10+ years2. Install speed bumps all along Alki AveAnything else?

  • gebee July 18, 2023 (10:31 am)

    As a European its hard to witness Police Officers standing around and just watching all kinds of crimes in Seattle. My homestate was very lenient on crimes for years. A handful of big Clan families were responsible for all the crimes within the state. These families had bribed of police up to the Top Ranks and bought off high profiled Defense Attorneys. Could this be whats going on in Seattle?? All the talk about encampments, but whats going on in those fancy Office Towers in DT Seattle?

    • bradley July 18, 2023 (2:17 pm)

      If you stay long, you’ll get to see the City Council in (in)action.  Start there.

  • ProblemSolved July 18, 2023 (11:35 am)

    Maybe close the street from the boat launch and have the water taxi bus shuttle people to the beach from the water taxi. That fixes the walking with kids and coolers problem. As long as people can get to the water taxi, they can get a ride to the beach. And considering regular parking, that’s about where people have to park anyway.

  • WSB July 18, 2023 (1:13 pm)

    Harborview just told me that Madison’s condition has improved to “serious. ” – TR

    • Aubra July 18, 2023 (5:14 pm)

      Thank you for the update. I’m so sad to hear what happened to her. Praying she makes it through this ❤️

  • waikikigirl July 18, 2023 (5:45 pm)

    There’s now a GO FUND ME account set up for Madison.help-madisons-recovery-in-icu-from-car-accident

  • Auklet48 July 18, 2023 (7:29 pm)

    Please let us know how the woman is doing. So worried for her. 

    • WSB July 18, 2023 (10:32 pm)

      Hi, updated separately a couple times today that the hospital says she has improved to serious condition

  • Alki Resident 100 July 19, 2023 (12:51 am)

    Few days later and folks are still speeding, a few times an hour, until. ~3AM everyday.

  • Alki Resident 100 July 19, 2023 (1:11 am)

    Restricted parking zone information – restrict parking to locals as step #1. Then push for speed bumps. https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/parking-program/restricted-parking-zone-program

  • Kitty Gregerson August 3, 2023 (4:09 pm)

    Okay but what’s his name. Who did this? Give us an update. And please Reshare this story with updates and share medical updates of the victim. Share the crowdfund again because this is a long road for the victim. They and their family really need support

Sorry, comment time is over.