Kent Police cited a 47-year-old man for investigation of driving under the influence (DUI) in connection with a single-car crash that killed a 51-year-old woman on June 16 on the West Hill.
Tammy L. Avery, 51, died from multiple injuries suffered in the accident, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office report on June 17.
The driver remained in satisfactory condition on Tuesday at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
“It is still under investigation and I did not see any mention of additional charges as of yet,” said police spokeswoman Melanie Robinson who reviewed the accident report. “It has been annotated that drugs may have been a factor, as well as reckless actions while driving.”
Investigators are waiting for a toxicology report to come back from the state crime lab before the city prosecutor files a DUI, Robinson said. The driver isn’t being named yet by the Kent Reporter because he has not been charged with a crime.
In similar cases, drivers who were allegedly reckless and a passenger was killed, can face potential charges of negligent homicide.
At about 8:18 a.m., Des Moines Police officers discovered a vehicle that had left the roadway in the 25400 block of Pacific Highway South, on Kent’s west border, and struck a traffic signal pole. When Kent Police and fire units arrived, they discovered the driver and Avery were pinned inside of the vehicle. The driver’s foot was trapped under the dash and he was able to be removed by firefighters.
Avery was unconscious and had to be extricated from the vehicle. Neither occupant was wearing a seat belt. CPR was initiated on Avery, and King County Medics responded. The life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.
Traffic investigators said there was no indication of excessive speed.
“This is a tragic reminder to both drivers and passengers to always wear their seat belt,” said Kent Police Sgt. Mike Schanbacher.
Police said the man and Avery were both staying in Des Moines.
Avery was born in Pasco and lived 35 years in Pasco, according to a death notice in the Tri-City Herald. She worked as a forklift operator. Hillcrest/Bruce Lee Memorial Center in Pasco is in charge of arrangements.
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