BREMERTON, Wash. — One teen is dead, and six others are hurt after deputies say they drove into a fence and a tree.
The crash happened around 11 p.m. on Northeast McWilliams Road in East Bremerton.
According to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, the teens were heading westbound, significantly exceeding the 25-mile-per-hour limit when they left the road and crashed.
17-year-old Bradley Mace, who was a passenger, died. Four other occupants have substantial injuries.
KIRO 7 News spoke with his mother, who said she wasn’t ready to share her thoughts about what happened. Another family member, Bradley’s cousin, has created a GoFundMe to help raise money for his funeral expenses.
“His smile, his spirit, and the love he gave will never be forgotten,” Amber Valenzuela wrote. “In his final moments, Bradley was not alone. A kind stranger stayed with him, praying over him and showing him compassion until help arrived. That love and humanity mean more to our family than words can express.”
According to the sheriff’s office, the occupants included four 17-year-olds, two 18-year-olds, and a 16-year-old. All the people in the vehicle were boys.
A neighbor told KIRO 7 that he heard the commotion from across the street.
“If there was other vehicles that would’ve been involved, it would’ve been even worse,” Ivan Winkler said. “But the damage that it did just shows the force the vehicle carried.”
The windshield is still embedded in a nearby tree. Winkler said its a dangerous intersection and something needs to change.
“It’s a blind hill. There’s several houses on either side. And, it is 25 miles per hour. And, we can hear the people that are going a lot faster than that.”
The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident as vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
Investigators believe reckless driving, with alcohol and drug use, may have contributed to the crash. Toxicology results are pending.
Investigators are looking for witnesses, information, or video of the vehicle in the area before the crash. If you can help, please contact Deputy Rob Corn at rcorn@kitsap.gov.