Kent Police are investigating a single-car collision that killed a female passenger and seriously injured the male driver early Tuesday 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 on Wednesday.
At 8:18 a.m., Des Moines officers discovered a vehicle that had left the roadway in the 25400 block of Pacific Highway, on Kent’s west border, and struck a traffic signal pole. When Kent Police and fire units arrived, they discovered the male 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.
The man, 47, was seriously injured and transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment. His condition is unknown.
Kent Police traffic investigators are looking into the circumstances that may have contributed to the collision. There was no indication of excessive speed, police said. However, impaired driving has not yet been ruled out.
“This is a tragic reminder to both drivers and passengers to always wear their seat belt,” said Kent Police Sgt. Mike Schanbacher.
It is unknown whether charges will be filed against the driver, police said. Police said the man and Avery were both staying in Des Moines.
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