TACOMA, Wash. — The family of man killed in a horrific crash in downtown Tacoma May 23 called him a funny, beloved mentor, coach and father figure.
Mark Nigh, 56, of University Place, was hit by an SUV while standing behind a parked work truck on Commerce Street. Nigh and his son were finishing a job at an apartment complex when the crash occurred. The SUV pinned Nigh against the truck’s loading gate, severing both his legs. Nigh was treated at Tacoma General Hospital, receiving several blood transfusions, but died from his injuries on Sunday.
“He wasn’t doing anything wrong,” said Nigh’s wife, Mary. “He didn’t make any mistake, he was just doing his job. Of course, I’m angry and hurt. Mark did not deserve that; it was a freak accident.”
Jason Tamayo, 44, of Spanaway, was charged Thursday with one count of vehicular homicide and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Tacoma police said Tamayo passed another car at a red light on Commerce Street, sped down the street and passed a second car before hitting the parked truck.
Witnesses said Tamayo did not hit his brakes before crashing into the back of the truck.
Mary Nigh said she is trying to forgive Tamayo for her husband’s death.
“I know this man didn’t mean to do it. But it was a very, very careless act that has affected so many people for the rest of their lives," she said.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Tamayo told police he was headed home to Spanaway after visiting his girlfriend in Federal Way and took the wrong exit. He told investigators he was trying to get back to the freeway when the crash happened. He told investigators he was not distracted, but could not explain why he didn’t see Nigh’s truck in time to stop.
The affidavit stated that when Tamayo was interviewed by police at the hospital after the crash he “had an elevated blood pressure and pulse, his eyes were dilated in the normal room light, and he had a hard time concentrating and answering simple questions.”
Investigators said Tamayo admitted he had taken three prescription drugs that day -- Metformin, Lipitor and another medication he couldn't remember -- but denied taking any other drugs. The affidavit stated a small bag was found in Tamayo’s sock that contained methamphetamine.
Tamayo pleaded not guilty during an appearance in Pierce County Superior Court on Thursday. His bail was set at $1,000,000.
Mary Nigh said her husband’s death has caused an outpouring of love and support in his hometown of University Place.
“He was a second father to a lot of people,” said Nigh. “Not just nieces and nephews within the family -- friends, girls and boys alike really looked to Mark as another father figure.”
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