Two students, Khalea Thoeuk and Riley Danard, one current and one former student of Snohomish High School, were killed in a tragic car accident early Wednesday morning. According to the Snohomish School District, the accident occurred on the West Seattle Bridge shortly after midnight when a wrong-way driver crashed into their sedan. The driver was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and is under investigation for vehicular homicide.
Principal Nate DuChesne sent a letter to parents of the students, expressing his sadness and providing support to the affected families. Mental health professionals will be working with students to help them cope with this tragedy. Despite the presence of "Do Not Enter" signs, the driver entered the westbound lanes of the bridge going in the wrong direction. Although a nearby person attempted to help, the impact was too severe to provide any life-saving opportunities.
Residents of West Seattle expressed their shock and terror at hearing about this incident. The investigation of the accident is ongoing, and the driver responsible for the crash will be booked into jail upon his release from the hospital. Tragedies like this remind us of the importance of driving safely and being responsible while on the road.
