‘Senseless Loss of Life’: Girl, 17, Killed in Thurston County Crash; Driver Facing Charges

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A 17-year-old girl is dead and an 18-year-old man is facing vehicular homicide, driving under the influence and vehicular assault charges after a crash in Thurston County Saturday, according to the sheriff’s office. 

Deputies responded to the crash in the 13800 block of Rainier Road Southeast at about 5:45 p.m., according to a news release from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. 

The 18-year-old, who was not identified by the sheriff’s office, was traveling north when he lost control of the vehicle on a curve and entered the oncoming lane. His vehicle was struck on the passenger side by a southbound vehicle. The impact killed the 17-year-old passenger, according to the sheriff’s office.



The driver of the southbound vehicle, a 24-year-old Rainier woman, was transported to Providence St. Peter Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 18-year-old driver who caused the crash was transported to Providence St. Peter Hospital and then transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. 

“The odor of alcohol was apparent from the 18-year-old causing driver,” according to the sheriff’s office, which noted he will likely face charges of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and driving under the influence. 

“The investigation is ongoing and followup will be conducted to determine any other contributing factors to this collision,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “We are saddened by this senseless loss of life and stand with those affected by this incident.”