News UPDATE: WSP IDs victims killed in wrong-way crash on Mercer Island

KING COUNTY, WA — Authorities have identified the three people who lost their lives early Monday due to a head-on crash on Interstate 90 on Mercer Island, according to a Washington State Patrol press release.

The fatal collision took place on the eastbound side of I-90 near Island Crest Way and was first reported by the Washington State Department of Transportation at around 12:20 a.m.

Washington State Patrol officials say it appears that a silver 2012 Chrysler 300 traveling westbound appears to have entered the eastbound lanes of the highway from the 142nd Street HOV offramp in Bellevue. A WSP trooper who was traveling eastbound on I-90 near East Mercer spotted the wrong-way vehicle moments before it collided head-on with a 2018 Subaru WRX near Island Crest.

The trooper quickly turned around and responded to the scene, using a fire extinguisher to put out flames that had appeared on one of the vehicles. Other troopers also arrived on the scene to help control the blaze and check on the victims, but was unable to detect vital signs.

The driver of the wrong-way Chrysler, 30-year-old Ari N. Quiroz-Jimenez, of Seattle, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officials also confirmed that the driver of the Subaru, 22-year-old Austin C. Tsai, from Bellevue. was also killed. His passenger, 23-year-old Bugeon Kim, of Berkeley, California, also succumbed to their injuries.

No further information has been shared, but an investigation remains underway to determine whether impairment was a factor in the crash.

Have you lost someone you love in a recent Seattle car crash due to the recklessness of another driver? After an unimaginable loss, your family deserves justice and maximum compensation. The Seattle wrongful death lawyers at Dubin Law Group are personally motivated in fighting for the best possible outcome. Contact us today at 206-462-4428  or reach out online to book a free consultation.

Matthew D. Dubin

Matt Dubin has spent more than 20 years honing his skills as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the State of Washington. In his career, Matt has focused on protecting consumers from dangerous household products, medical mistakes, roadway accidents, and many other causes of injury. Matt has recovered nearly $20 million on behalf of his clients.

Education

• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

request free consultation call us at (206) 800-8000