A 57-year-old man in a motorized wheelchair who was struck by a vehicle as he was crossing 15th Avenue Northwest just after midnight, Sunday, has died.
Seattle Fire Department medics took the man, Douglas L. LeFevre, to Harborview Medical Center where he died from a fractured spine, lacerations on the body and severe wounds to the head and torso, according to the King County Medical Examiners Office.
The driver of the vehicle has not been named, but he was arrested and booked in King County Jail later that day. The suspect was driving northbound on 15th Avenue West when he collided with LeFevre at the West Garfield Street intersection, throwing LeFevre clear of his wheelchair, according to a police report. A witness followed the suspect and called police. Police stopped the suspect at 15th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 59th Street where they arrested him. The suspect was booked into King County Jail for vehicular assault, a felony. Since the victim has died, King County Prosecutors Office may charge the suspect vehicular manslaughter or vehicular homicide.
by Sara
Man struck by hit-and-run dies from injuries
7 Comments
This is hideous. That poor man.?
Thanks to recently passed legislation for vulnerable users(pushed through by bike advocates) the car driving criminal will hopefully face a harsh penalty, not just a ticket.
Since when has vehicular assault not been a crime?
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Newsletters/Mar97/02.html
Info about Doug from a few years ago.? Really saddened by this news.? He was quite a nice guy.
Thanks for sharing the link about the victim.
Many cases like this are pleaded down to negligent driving, if intent can’t be proven. Negligent driving, even if you kill someone gets you a fine.
http://blog.senatedemocrats.wa.gov/kline/sen-kline-rsquo-s-vulnerable-users-bill-signed-into-law/
This is really sad news. His family may claim compensation. People should take care while driving. Because little bit distraction may cause to serious accident. Always drive slow and safe.