Tacoma, Washington – One Man Killed in Vehicle Crash

Tacoma, Washington (July 3, 2019) – One man was killed in a car crash which occurred on the State Route 16 exit to southbound Interstate 5 on Wednesday night. The victim, identified as Ryan M. Hevelone of Lakewood, was ejected from his vehicle and appears to have died on the scene. The driver of the other vehicle, Kevin Sieler of Issaquah, was not injured an arrested for vehicular homicide.

The crash happened around 9 p.m. Wednesday night. The victim was driving behind Sieler’s car, and struck the back end of it. The impact caused Hevelone to be ejected from his car, which then rolled over to the Tacoma Mall Boulevard. Sieler’s vehicle came to rest on the right shoulder of southbound Interstate 5.  Sieler admitted to traveling at a high rate of speed, which was considered to be a factor in the crash. Alcohol is also believed to be a factor. The accident caused the northbound and southbound lanes of of the Tacoma Mall Boulevard to be closed.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion for the friends and loved ones of the victim. Unfortunately, this is not the only case of fatality in car accidents. In 2017, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)  have reported a total of 120, 993 car accidents. Of those accidents, 525 were fatal and 34, 311 were possible or suspected of injuries. There are several types of collision that may happen, such as side collision, rollover collision, and head-on collision. Of the types of car accidents, head-on collisions are considered the most dangerous due to the circumstances – two cars are heading towards each other, with a great amount of force being experienced by all parties when the impact happens. While only 2% of car accidents are head-on collisions, they account for more than 10% of car-accident related injuries. These injuries are quite dangerous as most of them are head, spine or neck-related, including spinal injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and whiplash. Similarly, victims of side collisions and rollover collisions also suffer may also suffer head and neck injuries, though the risk is lower in these types of collisions. In rollover collisions, the car will come to rest on its side or roof, resulting in a dangerous situation which passengers might need to be extricated from. In side collisions, the greatest risk comes to the passenger on the particular side that received the impact. No matter the type of accident, all crashes are bound to cause a dreadful situation for all involved.

We urge all drivers to be careful while behind the wheel. When in a location where hazards such as poor illumination, rough roads or construction materials are present, be especially cautious. By doing this, we can ensure our safety as well as the safety of others in the nearby area.

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