Fatality Accident: SB I-5 near MP 206

**Note** The Washington State Patrol sent an updated press memo on December 7th, 2014 and this story was updated accordingly. The original press memo listed the wrong driver on Vehicle 2.** 

Snohomish County, WA: December 6th, 2014. 10:38 AM. The Washington State Patrol responded to Southbound I-5 at 172ND DR NE near mile post 206 for a Fatality collision.

According to the Press Memo, Vehicle 2, a red 1997 Dodge Ram Pickup, driven by 51 year old Gerald Olmstead of Bothell, WA was Southbound I-5 just South of 172nd DR NE, when it began to lose debris. Vehicle 2, parked on the right shoulder of Southbound I-5 just South of 172nd Dr  at milepost 206 to adjust the load. The driver and his adult son, Patrick Groves, 29 of Marysville, WA both  got out of the vehicle to secure the load.

Traffic in Front of Vehicle 1, a white 2005 Toyota Tundra Pickup, driven by, Anthony Richardson, 23 of Arlington,  slowed aggressively, almost to a stop. The driver of vehicle one moved or swerved to the shoulder to avoid colliding with vehicles in front of him. Vehicle 1, impacted the left rear of vehicle 2, and  then impacted the DRIVER  of vehicle 2, who had been outside of the vehicle securing the load. The driver,  51 year old Gerald Olmstead of Bothell, died at the scene.  The press memo stated drugs or alcohol were not involved. Both vehicles were driven from the scene. The cause of the accident is under investigation and no charges were pending.