Two people were killed late Saturday night when their motorcycle slammed into a barrier on State Route 509 in Tacoma, sending both riders flying from the bike. The crash happened around 8:40 p.m. on July 4 near Pacific Avenue. A 41-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were pronounced dead at the scene, and northbound lanes were shut down for a time while responders handled the wreck. Investigators say they are still working to determine what caused the collision.
What officials reported
According to the Washington State Patrol, the motorcycle was headed north on SR 509 when it struck a barrier and both occupants were ejected. Troopers told investigators there were no signs that drugs or alcohol were involved, and the exact cause of the crash remains under review. The northbound side of the highway was closed for a little more than three hours while troopers documented the scene and cleared debris, KIRO 7 reported.
Motorcycle safety trends in Washington
Motorcyclists continue to be overrepresented in Washington’s traffic deaths, and state agencies typically step up enforcement and safety campaigns once summer riding season kicks in. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s 2024 annual report notes that motorcyclist fatalities reached 142 in 2023 and were projected to drop to roughly 100 to 110 in 2024 as expanded outreach and enforcement efforts took hold, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
SR 509 corridor context
The section of SR 509 where the wreck occurred has been undergoing major reconstruction work as part of WSDOT’s Puget Sound Gateway program. In early June, WSDOT opened a rebuilt intersection along the corridor, and crews have been periodically shifting lanes to keep that construction moving, according to WSDOT.
Investigation ongoing
Troopers say the investigation into what led up to the fatal crash is still active and that they have not released additional details about any contributing factors. Officials may share more information as the case develops, according to KIRO 7.
