MASON COUNTY, WA — A 54-year-old Tacoma woman was killed Sunday evening in a motorcycle wreck involving a DUI suspect on U.S. Highway 101 near northwest Olympia, reports The Olympian.
The fatal collision occurred off the southbound highway near Kennedy Creek Natural Area Preserve at about 6:27 p.m.
According to the Washington State Patrol, the woman was a passenger on a 2008 Honda GL1800 motorcycle operated by a 58-year-old Olympia man. Officials believe the man was impaired and driving at a high rate of speed when he failed to negotiate a curve and veered off the roadway. The motorcycle hit a cable barrier post, causing the female passenger to eject and land on the first travel lane. She died as a result of her injuries.
Officials said the bike then continued across all lanes before traveling off the right side of the roadway and striking a tree. The impact of that crash sent both the male operator and the bike into a ravine.
Medics transported the man to Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center, where his condition remains undisclosed. The WSP said “charges of vehicular assault and driving under the influence” are expected to be filed against him.
A section of the southbound highway was shut down during the response and investigation. The motorcycle was totaled in the accident and towed from the scene.
Officials noted both riders were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.
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