Valerie Thompson and Thunder O’Brien die in fatal Thurston County crash
Fatal Thurston County crash death of Valerie Thompson and Thunder O’Brien – Obituary
Valerie Thompson, 38, and Thunder O’Brien, 28, both from Tumwater, tragically lost their lives in a wrong-way crash early Sunday morning, March 16, 2025, on Interstate 5 near the Scatter Creek rest area in south Thurston County.
At approximately 5:30 a.m., the two women were traveling northbound on I-5 when a male driver traveling south in the northbound lanes collided with their vehicle.
A third vehicle, also headed north, subsequently crashed into the women’s car. The impact led to multiple blunt force injuries, causing their deaths.
The identity of the male driver is still pending due to his vehicle catching fire, and authorities are attempting to use dental records to confirm his identity.
The 21-year-old driver of the third vehicle involved, a University Place woman, was unharmed and provided information to the authorities.
No charges or impairments have been reported for her. The Washington State Patrol is continuing the investigation into the crash.
