Oak Harbor Man Dies in Early Morning Crash on SR20 Near Deception Pass

Skagit County, WA – The Washington State Patrol responded to a fatal crash involving two vehicles on State Route 20 just North of Deception Road around 2:42 a.m. on January 3rd, 2019.

According to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol, a 19-year old Oak Harbor Man was traveling Northbound on State Route 20 in a 2005 Chevy Cobalt when he crossed the centerline striking the passenger side of a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was traveling Southbound before the vehicles burst into flames.

The 19-year old Oak Harbor man died at the scene. The driver of the Jeep, a 24-year old man from Kalamazoo, MI,  and a 24-year old passenger in the Jeep from Loudonville, NY  were both  transported to Whidbey Health for treatment.

Troopers say all three men were wearing seat belts and it is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Both directions of State Route 20 were closed in the area until about 5:30 a.m. but have reopened to normal traffic. Mount Erie Fire Chief Mike Noyes said “Thank you to the Anacortes Fire Department, North Whidbey Fire, Whidbey Medic 1, Skagit County Fire District 13, Northwest Ambulance and the citizens that stopped to help- for their support at this fatal motor vehicle collision at Deception Pass this morning. Thank You to all the people who were stuck behind this for your patience. This was a very difficult scene to manage.”

Next of Kin Notification was completed by  Troopers at Whidbey General Hospital.

Both Vehicles were towed by A1 Towing Oak Harbor for safe keeping.