A 21-year-old Seattle man was killed early Friday after the Lexus he was driving left a Kirkland I-405 exit at high speed, became airborne and crashed into a pickup stopped on the ramp. The wreck left the roadway blocked for roughly five hours while investigators worked the scene.
The crash happened at about 12:33 a.m. near 116th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 70th Place, according to KOMO News. Washington State Patrol said the 2007 Lexus IS had been traveling north on I-405 before exiting at Northeast 70th Place at a high rate of speed. The Lexus then left the roadway, went airborne and struck a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado stopped on the ramp to northbound I-405.
The WSDOT interchange map identifies the area as Exit 17, serving Northeast 70th and 72nd places and 116th Avenue Northeast. The drawing also labels a park-and-ride lot beside the interchange, where the Lexus came to rest after crossing the roadway.
The 21-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities have not released his identity pending notification of next of kin. The pickup driver, a 51-year-old Marysville man, was not injured.
Speed Listed As Cause In Fatal Kirkland Exit Crash
KOMO News reported that State Patrol identified speed as the cause of the crash. Troopers said the Lexus driver was not wearing a seat belt, while the Silverado driver was restrained. Authorities said it remains unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors.
