Early this morning, Seattle police responded to a tragic incident in Eastlake that led to the death of a pedestrian. The Seattle Police Department (SPD) reports that around 6:05 a.m., a man was fatally injured when a recycling truck ran over him on East Shelby Street, near Eastlake Avenue East. Officers arrived at the scene to find the victim down in the roadway, according to SPD's official blotter.
The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) quickly provided medical aid but, unfortunately, could not save the man's life. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The collision prompted the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad (TCIS) of SPD to process the scene, shutting down the area to further understand the circumstances of the event. TCIS's preliminary findings indicated that the driver of the recycling truck did not see the unhoused man, who was lying in front of a garage and recycling bins, before the collision occurred.
The driver involved in the incident remained on site and cooperated with the investigation conducted by the authorities. SPD enlisted a Drug Recognition Expert to evaluate the truck driver, who was found to show no signs of impairment. No arrest took place, as the police ruled her actions as unintentional. The King County Medical Examiner (KCME) has since taken custody of the deceased, with a statement indicating that the identity of the victim, along with the cause and manner of death, is yet to be determined.
The truck driver continues to aid in the ongoing investigation. Those with additional information on the case may contact SPD to assist in the investigation. The community also awaits further details as the KCME works to provide closure regarding the victim's identity and the exact cause of the fatal injuries sustained.
