Investigators have determined that a fatal Yelm area collision that happened earlier this month was not a homicide as initially suspected, the Thurston County Sheriff's Office says.
The collision occurred at about 11 a.m. March 9 on the 9900 block of Bridge Road Southeast. Destiney Fortin, a 27-year-old driver, died at the scene, The Olympian previously reported.
The sheriff's office initially described the collision as a hit and run that occurred during a "road rage-type incident" involving Fortin and two other drivers.
In a Wednesday news release, the sheriff's office said investigators located and interviewed the driver who was initially suspected of fleeing the scene. That person was cleared of being involved in or causing the collision.
"While this was initially reported as a homicide investigation, following a thorough investigation, no charges will be brought forth to the Prosecutor's Office regarding the collision," the release says.
Investigators obtained security footage showing the events prior to the collision, according to the release. The footage reportedly showed Fortin traveling faster than the other vehicles, "resulting in the collision" and Fortin "veering" off the road.
The release says vehicle evidence corroborated this sequence of events. The footage reportedly did not show the collision because it was obscured by trees.
Yelm police led the investigation because the Sheriff's Office was conducting a concurrent homicide investigation, according to the release. Thurston County detectives reportedly supported the investigation with interviews and follow-ups.
"Investigators have been in contact with the family of the deceased," the release says. "We thank them for their patience during this investigation."
