Darren L. Leonard dies in fatal Kittitas County, Washington car crash

Darren L. Leonard dies in fatal Kittitas County, Washington car crash

Fatal Kittitas County, Washington car crash death of Darren L. Leonard – Obituary

Darren L. Leonard, 21, of Wapato, Washington, was killed early Sunday morning in a rollover crash on Interstate 82 in Kittitas County. Leonard, a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene after the collision.

The Washington State Patrol reported that the crash occurred around 5:15 a.m. near milepost 17 on westbound I-82, approximately 17 miles east of Ellensburg. A 2012 Dodge 1500 pickup truck, traveling westbound, lost control, left the roadway to the right, and rolled multiple times. Investigators determined that the vehicle was traveling too fast for the conditions at the time of the accident.

The driver, Tyra B. Jim, 21, of Wapato, was transported to MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital with injuries; she was wearing a seatbelt. Two other passengers, Sterling J. Leonard, 24, of Yakima, and Cynthia T. Phillips, 25, of Auburn, were also injured and taken to the same hospital. Both were reported not to be wearing seatbelts.

Next of kin notification for Darren L. Leonard was completed by Yakama Tribal Police. Authorities have not yet determined whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash. The pickup truck was destroyed and removed from the scene.

The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the incident, and charges related to the crash are pending.