Details have emerged regarding the single-vehicle traffic crash that resulted in the death of a 52-year-old Shelton man traveling outside Centralia on Aug. 21.
According to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), Patrick M. Welch was driving eastbound on Ramsaur Road when his vehicle left the roadway, went down an embankment and struck a tree stump. The collision with the stump caused the vehicle to flip before it landed on its top.
The vehicle then caught fire. The time of the initial collision is still unknown. The LCSO indicated that Welch’s vehicle was likely traveling at a high speed prior to it leaving the roadway.
According to the LCSO, a person who lives in the area was driving to work when they noticed smoke coming from the crash site and thought it was either a fire or possible burn violation.
When first responders arrived, the vehicle was smoldering and Welch’s body was unidentifiable, according to the LCSO.
On Aug. 27, the Lewis County Coroner’s Office released a press memo positively identifying the decedent as Welch. The official cause of death was listed as asphyxia secondary to inhalation of combustible materials.
The manner of death was determined to be an accident.
The LCSO didn't release any details of the crash prior to the press memo issued by the coroner's office.
