SEATTLE — Two people were killed in a car crash involving a Washington State Patrol trooper just west of Seattle, authorities said Saturday evening. The officer was not seriously injured in the accident on Saturday, but was transported to a hospital as a precaution.
The Mason County Coroner identified the two deaths as Washington residents Charles Ferree, 72, and Deolia Blandford, 49, on Sunday.
The officer, who has not yet been identified, was driving on U.S. 101 with emergency lights and sirens on when the officer struck a Toyota Prius at an intersection, said Deputy Matt Colbenson, spokesman for the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.
Washington State Patrol released a brief statement on the crash on Saturday and declined to comment, citing the agency’s own involvement in the case.
The sheriff’s office is leading the investigation.