UPDATE: Driver killed in Seaview crash

10:02 PM: Police and fire are arriving at a crash dispatched as a “rescue extrication” response in the 6300 block of 48th SW, with an unconscious driver. They’re closing 48th north of Graham. Reader Al says the driver appears to have crashed into another car. Police say the driver will have to be cut out of the vehicle. Updates to come.

10:09 PM: SFD is reported to be doing CPR on the driver.

(Photo sent by Deb)

10:24 PM: One witness says the driver’s Volvo was “flying” down 48th before slamming into the parked car. SFD has just declared the driver, believed to be a 31-year-old man, dead. The street will be closed for some hours to come while SPD investigates.

10:45 PM: Traffic Collision Investigation detectives are on the way, dispatch was just told.

EARLY THURSDAY MORNING: As of 2 am, Al updates us, the road was open again. … Here’s the SPD Blotter summary (though we’ve already reported most of the info).

ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Neighbor Al sent this photo, saying friends of the man killed in the crash have been by to memorialize him at the site:

His ID hasn’t been officially released yet – possibly later this afternoon.

3:32 PM: He’s been identified as Riley G. Kestner. Radio traffic while the incident was unfolding indicates he lived nearby.

Mae October 30, 2024 (10:07 pm)

Thank you, as ever, for being so quick to post. Sounds like a fairly big response.

WS Resident October 30, 2024 (10:09 pm)

They just said “faint pulse and agonal breathing” good lord man

WSB October 30, 2024 (10:31 pm)

SFD has pronounced the driver deceased.

sbre October 30, 2024 (10:54 pm)

The accident occurred across the street from my home and I was in the kitchen (front of the house) when the accident occurred. No sounds of braking before the crash, which sent a parked car hit by the decreased about 50′ down the road and into a yard across the street from where it was parked. So sad to have this happen!

Alki resident October 30, 2024 (11:25 pm)

This is truly devastating to read..I really hope this was a medical event and not intentional. Pray for his friends and family. And all of the witnesses. Good lord tragic, so young.

Julie Norris October 31, 2024 (12:08 am)

Yeah, I’m going to be one of those neighbors to say “people drive too fast”. It’s true. I live on 48th and Eddy, 2 houses away from this tragic collision. 48th is a slight downhill to Lowman Beach Park. Every day I see drivers shooting down 48th well over 40mph; the speed limit is 25. Folks, speed kills.

Mae October 31, 2024 (7:15 am)

Julie – yes on all accounts. I’m a neighbor a few blocks north and the issue seems to extend at least as far as Erskine – the speed humps help, but people often straddle them.I’ve contacted the city a couple of times to ask them to consider additional traffic calming measures for this stretch but so far I’ve just gotten the form reply that this isn’t a priority. I appreciate that they have pressing issues elsewhere in the city but even so, I’ll continue to be a squeaky wheel – the speeding here is also a real safety threat.

Peace maker October 31, 2024 (1:33 am)

Those road’s around there are small one lane or two with opposite direction traffic not a place for speeding. Also the roads need fixed.. people in west Seattle are really extremely unsafe impatient driver’s. Please just drive normal and or slow down enough if road conditions or people are around. And if you’re drinking drink somewhere your not driving or have designated driver as difficult as it can be stop putting others at risk and your own selves act like you care. Please

sbre October 31, 2024 (2:00 am)

The deceased and his vehicle have been removed and 48th Ave SW northbound is reopened.The victim vehicle is still in place with a patrol car blocking southbound 48th at Graham until a second tow truck arrives.

C October 31, 2024 (2:50 am)

Car went past our house a block away like an Indy car… faster than any car I have ever heard in 10 years living here.. Sad to say… this was not a medical issue.

Pauline October 31, 2024 (5:20 am)

Something doesn’t seem right if he was “flying”, no brake coverage/slam to parked car, and a Volvo (older model?). I think of possibly brake system malfunction or medical related. Thoughts and Prayers to the family.

alki_2008 November 1, 2024 (1:39 am)

How would speeding a block away be an indicator that it’s NOT a medical issue? When someone has a medical issue they can end up stepping on the gas uncontrollably, which means they speed.

Brian October 31, 2024 (5:52 am)

People who park their cars on this stretch of 48th routinely put their wheels on the curb to leave as much room as possible for maniacs like this to fly through at 50+ mph. It’s just a matter of time until this happens again because speeding on 48th is a constant problem and always has been

WSRob October 31, 2024 (8:39 am)

Really? When was the last time someone speeding, crashed, and died on this street?
- Lagartija Nick October 31, 2024 (9:18 am)
  
  People don’t have to die for speeding to be a problem.
Alki resident October 31, 2024 (9:43 am)

This is the first time this ever happened on this street for as long as I can think. How dare you call this kid a maniac who just lost his life over something you know nothing about.
EJ October 31, 2024 (8:39 pm)

Hey, Brian. I saw his parents and siblings visiting the crash sight today, how come you didn’t take your coward a– over there and tell them their son and brother is a maniac??
- Stefanie Kestner November 1, 2024 (8:45 am)
  
  Your post needs to be removed.Family of Riley Kestner
  - Katie November 1, 2024 (4:58 pm)
    
    Stephanie, this is so tragic. Our family knew Riley. I am so sad and sorry.
Paula Chavez November 1, 2024 (11:59 pm)

You shouldn’t talk about people you don’t know. You don’t know what kind of person he was, but let me tell you. He was funny, sensitive, caring and responsible. He had also supposedly just gotten that car fixed. So how do you know he didn’t have a problem with the car? You just jump to conclusions.
Sk November 5, 2024 (6:09 pm)

Agreed, I live down 48th a block from the accident and my car was totaled in 2022 when a driver crashed into it (parked on the curb) driving up 48th in the middle of the night at a high rate of speed. That driver was lucky to walk away from the crash.

Seattlite October 31, 2024 (6:41 am)

I live near where this accident took place. I walk from the 48th Ave SW and Eddy SW intersection down to Lowman Park a few times each week. Drivers constantly speed going up and down this section of 48th Ave SW. I estimate that the average speed for negligent speeding drivers is approximately 35 to 45 mph which is way too fast. Also, I have observed many, many times that negligent drivers do not make complete stops at the intersection of 48th Ave SW, Beach Dr, and Lincoln Park Way SW. Many drivers do rolling stops at the stop signs which puts pedestrians trying to cross the street in danger.

sosad October 31, 2024 (10:05 am)

I could have written this post myself. This is true, Seattlite. I was literally thinking yesterday when I saw someone speeding down that hill on 48th to Lowman – going at LEAST 70 MPH at about 4pm – that there was going to be a fatal accident someday.
K in WS November 1, 2024 (1:14 pm)

The 25-mph limit on all the arterials in WS… plus the 20 mph speed traffic cams means that it’s much quicker and easier to get from point A to point B by taking side streets.
- WiseWoman November 3, 2024 (8:17 pm)
  
  Yes when the main streets have become a nightmare due to lower speeds side streets are the faster way to get anywhere. It used to take 15 minutes Admiral to Roxbury now it is like 30. Our youngsters also are very confident drivers yet our road conditions are way worse and declining since 2012.Very sad this kid lost his life. This stretch has always had fast drivers.

CarDriver October 31, 2024 (6:49 am)

I’m sure WSB will have a follow up as to the circumstances/causes.

I love kindness October 31, 2024 (6:25 pm)

Don’t take WSB for granted, they’re grieving, too.
- WSB October 31, 2024 (7:11 pm)
  
  Thank you. Our capacity is still somewhat reduced and we greatly appreciate the community members (Al and Deb) who provided pics and info from the scene.

Sillygoose October 31, 2024 (7:07 am)

This is a horrible thing to read after all of the sirens. Wondering if driver didn’t see the new speed bumps and lost control. W have tried for 20 plus years to get radar on Graham street it’s like damn drag strip off of California Ave to 48th Ave. But SDOT is more interest in putting in bike racks to stop no free right turns than curbing the high speeds.

Rug October 31, 2024 (7:54 am)

You complain that nothing is done to limit speeds… And, without evidence, blame the speed bumps for the collision.
- Sillygoose October 31, 2024 (9:18 am)
  
  @rug I was referencing Graham Street has nothing. 33 years of watching cars launching coming down Graham Street to 48th, hitting Street signs, hitting poles, T-Boning cars, dodging pets. So yes we need radar but sdot doesn’t have the time!! Didn’t blame speed cushions referenced driver must not have known!!!
  - bill October 31, 2024 (10:14 am)
    
    Sillygoose: It’s not that SDOT does not have time. It’s that the legislature has severely restricted where radar cameras can be installed.
- rpo October 31, 2024 (9:35 am)
  
  Nowhere in the post does it say nothing was done to limit speeds. It says they spent 20 years trying to get a radar sign installed unsuccessfully.
walkerws October 31, 2024 (9:30 am)

“Free” right turns are incredibly dangerous, and sensible cities/states/other states have rightfully banned them.
- KBear October 31, 2024 (6:54 pm)
  
  “Free” right turns—you mean like at traffic lights? After stopping? How is that relevant here?
- Rhonda October 31, 2024 (11:55 pm)
  
  walkers, there wasn’t a right turn involved in this terrible accident.
  - K November 1, 2024 (7:22 am)
    
    Rhonda, if you follow the conversation, you’ll see why free right turns came up. WalkerWS is responding to a comment, not the main story.
  - JustSarah November 1, 2024 (7:39 am)
    
    WalkerWS was clearly responding to the last sentence of SillyGoose’s comment: “But SDOT is more interest in putting in bike racks to stop no free right turns than curbing the high speeds.”
    
    Walker is pointing out that right on red is actually quite dangerous, so it’s reasonable for SDOT to make those changes.

Lola October 31, 2024 (7:27 am)

48th also has all of those Speed Bumps. He must not have known that there were speed bumps. But by the sounds of it, they would not have slowed him down since he was flying so fast. Scary. I take this road sometimes, the cars do go fast on this road. There are usually lots of cars parked on both sides of the street and if you hit those speed bumps just right I can see your car going askeewwwww.

pophouse October 31, 2024 (8:31 am)

48th absolutely needs traffic calming. Roundabouts. Real speed bumps. And enforcement. In my dream world there would be speed cameras on streets like this. Kids live on these streets

Frog October 31, 2024 (9:35 am)

48th between Brandon and Graham already has traffic calming. Speed bumps and it’s narrow, two of the favorites of car-haters. I pass by there probably ten times a week, and never see anyone driving unsafely or especially fast. If some guy wants a Darwin Award, he will get it eventually, and no amount of burden on ordinary drivers will stop him.
- WS Guy October 31, 2024 (10:39 am)
  
  100% true. Speeding is not an issue, generally. But 1% of drivers are going to be crazy no matter what.
  - Not Your Racetrack October 31, 2024 (4:07 pm)
    
    100% wrong. I heartily support Silly Goose’s comments, as I live just up the street on Graham. Not only is speeding a HUGE issue all over WS (yesterday I was passed by a Mini speeding in the center lane of northbound California for daring to go the actual speed limit!), but Graham street from CA to 48th is a particularly dangerous raceway. When I first saw the story here (after hearing the sirens), I was just sure it was someone who was charging down Graham St. Clearly 48th has its own major issues, but the point is that unchecked speeding is a major problem all over this peninsula, at all hours. I have been here a long time. It used to be that with enough calls, the cops would come and sit at the 44th/Graham street intersection and catch speeders. Anyone remember the last time they saw a cop handing out a speeding ticket or other driving infraction? Doesn’t happen. And that is all because of the people we’ve elected in this far-too-blue city, who would rather coddle and finger point instead of doing their jobs and funding actual police and enforcement that works. Camera’s and bumps have their place. But until we have (more) cops to enforce public safety, this will continue. I am grateful this tragedy did not occur tonight while kids are out trick or treating, as it’s just that dangerous here any given day of the week.
- pophouse October 31, 2024 (11:21 am)
  
  The speed bumps are a joke – they are not wide enough. People absolutely go too fast on this stretch.Where I live on 48th there have been at least 4 accidents in the last 3 years, some with cars up on the sidewalks. This was not a one off aberration, the road is designed to encourage this kind of recklessness.
- Seattlite October 31, 2024 (12:26 pm)
  
  I don’t know what bubble you live in but reckless, speeding drivers are the norm not the exception on the section from 48th ave sw and Eddy sw to the 48th ave sw/Beach Dr/Lincoln Park Way intersection. Something really needs to be done on that particular section to control reckless, speeding drivers.
  - WiseWoman November 3, 2024 (8:21 pm)
    
    I concur it is.

pophouse October 31, 2024 (9:14 am)

One more comment then i am doneI remember it was a year ago today I saw someone flying about 50+ mph down 48th past a group of trick or treaters one of which had to lurch back onto the sidewalk. The road has been a menace for years, it needs to be calmed.The speed bumps on 48th are a complete joke. Everyone knows they are just narrow enough so that if you have your car centered, you will not hit any bump at all. If I recall correctly, the police wanted it that way so they could fly down the road if they need to. But they probably wouldn’t need to fly down the road if people were actually slowed down a bit. Stay safe out there tonight; go slow and watch for the little haunters.

alki_2008 November 1, 2024 (1:52 am)

The gaps in speed bumps are also so ambulances and fire trucks can go through without bouncing too much for patients and equipment. It’s not just about police cars. And really, if someone is driving drunk or recklessly and not paying attention, then a lower speed limit or even cameras are not going to make a difference. If someone crashes and injures someone, then the damage is already done. Cameras are not deterrents, just methods of punishment after the fact.

Derek October 31, 2024 (9:20 am)

Need light rail now. This is getting ridiculous. Cars are VIOLENT and ending lives and a crazy high rate.

bjorn October 31, 2024 (10:47 am)

People in general are more violent. Leave the damn cars out of this.
My two cents October 31, 2024 (10:55 am)

Cars are not violent – people can be violent.
Look Both Ways October 31, 2024 (10:56 am)

Cars are not going away if light rail is extended to West Seattle. It’s delusional to think accidents will stop as a result (particularly at night). Other major metros with larger transit infrastructure (e.g. Chicago, San Francisco, NYC) still endure plenty of auto crashes (as well as train incidents). Prayers for this man and his family; lost too young.
Lisa October 31, 2024 (1:06 pm)

Would love to know how light rail would solve speeding on 48th.
Alf October 31, 2024 (1:26 pm)

Derek light rail will do nothing to curb individuals who choose to speed and fly down streetsEven if light rail comes to west Seattle which is still up in the air, there will still be cars and drivers who make poor choices
PDiddy October 31, 2024 (1:45 pm)

Dumb statement. Last thing anyone needs is light rail in West Seattle especially at that price tag. Your statement has zero to do with this situation.
- Mr X October 31, 2024 (6:14 pm)
  
  Light rail introduces an alternative method to driving, surely that is self-evident.
Rhonda October 31, 2024 (9:14 pm)

Derek, light rail will NEVER exist up and down 48th, so your comment is nothing but attention-seeking hyperbole.

slowdown October 31, 2024 (9:51 am)

Speeders are selfish. They have no regards for the safety of anyone or anything around them. God forbid a kid was in the way of this guy.

Karen and Jeff October 31, 2024 (5:17 pm)

No one knows exactly what happened, so lets knock it off with guesses and name calling. Riley lost his life, his friends lost someone they cared a lot about, and his family lost someone they loved. We will all miss Riley-

48th ave neighbor October 31, 2024 (10:11 am)

A lot of the comments here make me feel like people think this was an average case of someone speeding but I live a block away and heard this car go by and it was definitely something more:1. It sounded like the car was driving 65-75+ MPH (my husband and I stopped everything and looked at each other in shock when it passed)2. It really seemed like the driver was intoxicated or having a medical emergency because it’s unfathomable to imagine driving that fast on 48th without stepping on a break. I totally agree that we need to fix the speeding issue on this road but this case was definitely something different!

Thomas October 31, 2024 (10:16 am)

This is happening far to often.It was just over a week ago a driver failed to circumvent a round about .He rolled over and hit two parked cars.The term accident isn’t applicable to what’s happening. This is pure negligence on the driver.When you get behind the wheel.You have to ask yourself are you willing to accept the consequences of your actions.

Alki resident October 31, 2024 (3:14 pm)

Medical Examiner has already posted his name and it says it’s an accident. Nothing more. Keep his family in your prayers.

JunctionFunction October 31, 2024 (3:41 pm)

Medical examiner says name is Riley Glenn Kestner. He was a student at Pathfinder back in the early 2000s.

WSB October 31, 2024 (3:43 pm)

Added that to the story a little while ago.

Alki resident October 31, 2024 (3:54 pm)

My daughter knew Riley at WS High. He just lives a few short blocks from the accident. This is just devastating for our community.

Naomi October 31, 2024 (4:12 pm)

I went to school with Riley. He was a really good guy, super funny and kind. Prayers to his family and may he rest in peace.

Heidi Fish October 31, 2024 (4:26 pm)

Our family has known and loved Riley since he was 4 years of age. As he went to Alki Elementary for preschool. Riley was a talented musician full of dreams with a huge zest for life.We’re all at a loss for words 💔 such a tragedy. Riley your loved and missed by all who knew you.

oerthehillz October 31, 2024 (4:59 pm)

If traffic calming measures need to be made regarding 48th, get on the phone and start calling the departments who will listen and take measures. Don’t stop until you start to see results. I don’t live anywhere near the accident but those that speak of the need to have a study done, can start with finding out who to contact and where to send letters. It can make things happen. If it’s important, do it. It just takes persistence. It’s not about contacting the one right person, it’s about multiple efforts and persistence.

CarDriver October 31, 2024 (5:51 pm)

WSB. Will you be able to get further details of what exactly happened here?

WSB October 31, 2024 (5:59 pm)

With only one person involved, and that one person having died, probably not, unless an incident report is released some months from now.
- 48th Ave neighbor October 31, 2024 (9:57 pm)
  
  There was actually a second person sitting in the front passenger seat (who reports said were in critical care) – confirmed by some neighbors of mine on-site while I was.
  - WSB October 31, 2024 (10:39 pm)
    
    There is no mention from SPD or SFD of a second person but I’ll ask SFD to be sure.
  - sbre October 31, 2024 (11:24 pm)
    
    I was the first person on the scene, arriving just seconds after it occurred. There absolutely was not a second person in the car.
  - Janedoe November 1, 2024 (1:05 am)
    
    Please, how did you hear this??
    - WSB November 1, 2024 (9:46 am)
      
      SFD has confirmed there was no evidence of a second person,

Alki resident October 31, 2024 (6:47 pm)

My daughter went to WS High with him. There’s nothing but love going to his family and friends. Such a tragic loss.

Guy Olson October 31, 2024 (7:42 pm)

RIP, I met that fella over the summer at Lowman Beach park, he was riding a relatively rare and cool bicycle, I remarked that I own one of the same brand. He seemed like a very nice dude. Condolences to his family and friends.

Stefanie Kestner November 5, 2024 (1:27 pm)

He told me about meeting you, as soon as he came home. He was excited to meet you and “rare bike” talk! 💛

Ly October 31, 2024 (9:30 pm)

My condolences to his family on their loss.

alkiannie October 31, 2024 (11:09 pm)

His Instagram post just a couple of days before he passed. Hope Sophie was there to greet him. https://www.instagram.com/p/DBoncjhvf1M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Lika October 31, 2024 (11:15 pm)

Rip Riley . He was someone’s child, brother, uncle, and everything in between.Does not matter how or what happened he will truly be missed.

aa November 1, 2024 (6:47 am)

Thank you for the instagram post to remind us that this man was human with hopes and dreams and in a flash his life is over. So much sadness and bitterness in our world and none of us know when our last moment on earth is going to be. On this dark and rainy morning I am going to do my best to be nice to people today, smile, say hello, hold a door open for for someone, use my turn signals, and stop at yellow lights rather than race through.

Colton T. November 1, 2024 (7:01 am)

Rest in Paradise Riley. You were a bright soul that always had a smile and a positive attitude whenever I saw him. I met Riley through my friend Jeff, nearly 15 years ago. Riley loved his classic cars especially older Volvos, JDM cars and anything unique or niche. Riley was a soft soul and would never hurt a fly, he was a good friend who always had his homies backs. Riley certainly had a lot of people who loved him, cared about him and are deeply hurt that is is gone. West Seattle residents who knew Riley will not forget him either. I know he had just gotten his car out of the shop recently and was so excited to have his old Volvo back. My condolences to the Kestner family we love you and we have your back the sanecway your son had ours!

Colin November 1, 2024 (10:04 am)

I went to school with Riley. I remember being at a party with him back in like middle school and dude picked up a guitar and proceeded to do a spot-on Eddie Vedder impression. I thought it was the radio at first. Man had a gift, even back then. He was always so passionate about music and had a real talent for it. Not everyone jived with Riley. He had his opinions that’s for sure, and was stubborn when he had his mind made up. But he carried that same stubbornness and level of giving a damn into his close friendships. He was the kind of guy who would let you know, unabashedly, when he disagreed with you. But he was also the kind who would give you the shirt off his back, listen to you when you were struggling, and stand up for you when you needed an advocate.Riley, I know we fell out of contact over the years. But you’ll be missed. It would have been cool to jam with you again. Thank you for being you- passion and hot takes and all. And to those bickering about speed bumps, light rails, what is/isn’t fast, how often this does/doesn’t happen, shame on you. A good man is dead. People are grieving. Take it elsewhere.

Suzanne Montagne November 1, 2024 (11:17 am)

I don’t care how fast he was going – 48th has always been a speedway. Riley was a wonderful and beautiful person and I remember him running the neighborhood (including my house) with my kids when he was young. My heart goes out to his mother and family, who loved him so much. He will be forever missed, even by people no longer in the Seaview. Take care of his family and try not to shame/blame – though we live in a time with lots of that

Ahri A November 1, 2024 (1:01 pm)

Riley was a pure soul. He had such a big heart. He was hilarious and boisterous and generous and thoughtful. Sending all my love to his family and friends. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Riley.

SorrowInSeaview November 1, 2024 (4:44 pm)

I live nearby where the accident occurred. I, among numerous other neighbors went out to check on whomever was involved in the crash because it was such a loud sound that we all knew it couldn’t be good.While I didn’t know Riley, nor did the other neighbors that stayed, I wanted to share that there were a few of us that didn’t leave Riley. We knew that he was someone’s son, friend, & possibly someone’s dad, partner, brother, etc & since they couldn’t be there with him, we stayed until the Medical Examiners took him away.I also wanted to say that those of that stayed, had nice conversations with the officers/detectives working the scene & they were all very kind, caring, & professional. I’m very sorry for all the those that knew & loved Riley.

Isabella November 1, 2024 (6:13 pm)

I am his sister and hearing that he wasn’t alone brings me some degree of peace. Thank you for sharing this and thank you to all at the scene. Riley was so loved and this was just a horrible accident. He didn’t mean for this and had so much to live for 💔
- Christy November 1, 2024 (8:15 pm)
  
  Isabella-My name is Christy & I wrote the above. I’m grateful it helped give you a little bit of peace. Another neighbor named Deb Barker-Shaw & the neighbors whose car was hit stayed the whole time. We weren’t sure how to get in to contact with all of you but wanted to pass along our condolences & see about a Celebration of Life for Riley. If you need to talk or have any other questions, please feel free to reach out. My phone number: 303-328-1804 Once again I am very sorry for your loss!
- Paula Chavez November 2, 2024 (12:10 am)
  
  My deepest most heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of his family.. Please let his friends at T-Mobile Park know of any memorial or just text 432-967-8818 and I will let people know.

Sandi November 1, 2024 (5:35 pm)

I live in the neighborhood of the accident and I want to reach out to his friends and family. My son is Riley’s age but did not know him – ours went to other West Seattle schools. I have felt sad ever since I heard of the accident. I am thinking and praying for you at this challenging time.

Paula Chavez November 2, 2024 (12:05 am)

I worked with Riley at T-Mobile Park. He was a sweet, funny guy. He will be missed by so many people.

Oleg November 2, 2024 (6:46 pm)

As someone who knew Riley and performed with him on stage… This is heartbreaking to read. My condolences

sbre November 4, 2024 (8:53 am)

If you’ve not visited Riley’s roadside memorial in the past two days, you might consider doing so, again.On Saturday morning his family added his name to the cross and three photos that show Riley enjoying different facets of his life. Very heart warming. The pile of flowers continues to grow and there are electric candles that flicker in the dark. It’s beautiful!