tThe Washington State Patrol reported that a 47-year old Snoqualmie man was hit and killed on westbound I-90 late Tuesday night, June 20, 2017 – about one mile west of the SR 18 interchange – after he responded help his girlfriend, whose car was disabled.
According to WSP Trooper Rick Johnson, the deceased man, later identified as Robert W. Thompson, was working to attach a tow robe/chair to the woman’s car around 11:20PM when a black Nissan pickup truck, driven by a suspected intoxicated 42-year old man, veered onto the shoulder, side-swiping the disabled car and striking Thompson.
The truck continued on, leaving the scene, and then lost control – ending up in the ditch on the right side of the freeway. Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspected drunk driver was uninjured.
The Issaquah woman was also injured in the collision. She was transported to Overlake Medical Center. Her 11-year old daughter was not injured, but was transported to the hospital as a precaution.
The driver of the pickup truck was booked into King County Jail. According to a WSP incident report, he is facing vehicular homicide charges.
Two lanes of westbound I-90 were closed overnight while WSP Troopers investigated.
Comments
This story is so heartbreaking. Mr. Thompson is a hero. Do you know if he has family? I would like to see the Snoqualmie Community do all that we can to help. I can set up a Go Fund me, if the family needs any help.
Thank you so much for you kind words. He does have a family, a girlfriend and daughter. She is a co-worker of mine. they are such wonderful people and They need help. She is new here at work, and doesnt quailify for financial assistance, and she will be out of work for a while. I was thinking of setting something up for the girls to help out with finances. Thank you for wanting to help, this is truly amazing!
Another heartbreaking story about the life of a good man cut tragically short by what appears to be the thoughtless & irresponsible actions of a drunk driver. Mr. Thompson is an example of the best humankind has to offer. He was killed during an act of selfless altruism, responding to the call of a woman with her child, stranded late at night on the side of a busy interstate highway. I would like to think he is at peace now. What I know is that his immediate & extended family is not at peace & will never be the same without him. Thank you for sharing your life with us, Robert.