A Thursday evening ride through Kent ended in tragedy when a motorcyclist was killed after colliding with a car in the 23600 block of 104th Avenue Southeast. Witnesses told officers the rider had been driving recklessly and popping wheelies shortly before the crash. Firefighters and medics tried to revive him at the scene but were unsuccessful. Kent Police later confirmed the motorcycle had been reported stolen, and the department's Traffic Unit has taken over the investigation.
What Kent Police Say
According to a Facebook update from the Kent Police Department, the crash happened when a southbound motorcycle on 104th Avenue SE was struck by a driver turning left onto SE 236th Place. The rider, tentatively identified as a 57-year-old Renton man, suffered major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the other driver stayed at the location and cooperated with officers.
The post notes that Puget Sound Fire crews and medics "took over" life-saving efforts before the rider was declared deceased and lists Assistant Chief Jarod Kasner as the media contact, according to the Kent Police Department Facebook post.
Motorcycle Safety In Washington
Statewide, the loss in Kent comes as Washington continues to struggle with elevated motorcyclist deaths, even as numbers show a recent dip. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports that rider fatalities fell from a 2023 peak of 142 to roughly 103 in 2025, and warns that speed and impairment remain common contributing factors, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
How To Help Investigators
Kent police are asking anyone who saw the crash, or who has dash-cam, door-cam or helmet-cam footage from the area around the time of the collision, to save that video and reach out to the department's Traffic Unit. The department's Facebook post lists Assistant Chief Jarod Kasner and the media email [email protected] for tips and inquiries, per the Kent Police Department Facebook post.
Local Prevention And Resources
The City of Kent and regional partners run traffic-safety and rider-training programs aimed at reducing serious collisions, including Target Zero initiatives and referrals to state motorcycle training. For details on local programs and licensing resources, visit the City of Kent's community education page.
