CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Vigil for hit-run victim Tommy Joe Garrett

| Crime | West Seattle news | White Center

Thomas J. Garrett, known to those who loved him as “Tommy Joe,” was the 81-year-old man killed by a hit-run driver this past Monday night at 15th/Roxbury. Family members gathered there for a vigil this afternoon.

His daughter told us Mr. Garrett lived on Capitol Hill much of his life and went to Garfield High School with Jimi Hendrix. He himself was a musician and his career included many achievements including work as a TV-news photographer. His nephew talked more about Mr. Garrett’s life as traffic roared by on Roxbury:

His family says they don’t know why Mr. Garrett was in the area Monday night. They do know King County Sheriff’s Office deputies have yet to find his killer and are still seeking information on this vehicle (as reported here Thursday):

Call 800-222-TIPS if you have any information. Meantime, they are planning a memorial for him at a Buddhist temple in the Central District. And they want to ensure no one forgets him, or what happened here.

Alki resident April 27, 2024 (6:34 pm)

I’m so sorry. This is heartbreaking. I hope the driver turns himself in.

HS April 27, 2024 (7:37 pm)

Please accept my condolences. I can see that he left a great legacy behind (family). In my mind, that means the life he had was full.

Seattlite April 27, 2024 (7:49 pm)

How very sad. RIP.

Mike April 27, 2024 (8:26 pm)

Absolutely awful, respect and love to the friends and fam.

Do the right thing like you would want April 27, 2024 (9:29 pm)

That’s really sad that somebody was so heartless. Turn yourself in. You’re likely local to the area and the community is going to find you.If any knows where the family will post about updates or meetings to bring awareness I would like to help.

1994 April 27, 2024 (9:54 pm)

Condolences to Tommy Joe’s family and so sorry for your loss. I hope the driver is apprehended.

Karen B April 27, 2024 (10:17 pm)

My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Losing someone dear and close is hard enough, without the added burden of knowing that the person or people responsible didn’t stop to render or call for aid.

Admiral-2009 April 27, 2024 (10:35 pm)

RIP Tommy.

With that photo of the suspected vehicle it’s only a matter of time before the perp is caught and hopefully held fully accountable!

Orb April 27, 2024 (11:27 pm)

Tommy Joe had such a kind face and smile. He was obviously loved by many. My sincere condolences to his family and friends during these difficult times. I hope they find the criminal who committed this pathetic and heinous act.

Tom R April 28, 2024 (1:42 am)

Many of us remember gentle Tommy from washing windows in Capitol Hill, 20-25 years ago. R.I.P.

ACG April 28, 2024 (7:05 am)

My condolences to all of his family and friends. I am so very sorry for your tragic loss.

Sam April 28, 2024 (8:13 am)

Awful. I hope there is justice for this man and his family.

Jim Hubert April 28, 2024 (8:36 am)

I graduated Garfield with Tommy in 1961. He was a kind and funny friend. May he RIP…

Green gurl April 28, 2024 (9:10 am)

We are so very sad to hear of the tragic death of Mr. Tommy Joe Garrett. Thank you for sharing the vigil and photos.Condolences to his family and friends. We share in your sorrow for the loss of someone so dear. Prayers and peace to all. Wrapping our arms around you, in hopes of comfort and healing.

Wisdom April 29, 2024 (1:24 am)

Peace and love and harmony

WS Mom April 29, 2024 (6:42 am)

I am so sorry for your loss.

Kathryn Thiel April 29, 2024 (9:20 am)

Tommy was a very sweet person. He used to clean the windows at the 12th & Pine liquor store when I worked there. We all loved him. He was funny and kind. Rest in peace dear one. Condolences to all his family and friends. I am sure he will be missed.

Jeff April 29, 2024 (10:31 am)

Is Tommy related to Wyking? I love the whole Garrett family. No one does harder work for black people in Seattle. RIP Tommy. He sounds like he’s beloved.

Joan Alexander April 29, 2024 (3:58 pm)

Many warm and appreciative memories of Tommy. Very saddened by his tragic death. Condolences to his family and friends.

Jerry Logan April 29, 2024 (6:19 pm)

I am sorry that he passed in such a sudden tragic manner. I recently met Tommy’s daughter at Cantanda at Southcenter and we shared about our Garfield connections. I know he will be deeply missed . Jerry Logan class of 63