Suspected DUI Crash on Highway 9 Near Snohomish Injures Two

SNOHOMISH, Wash. — Two people suffered serious injuries Saturday evening after a northbound vehicle crossed the center line on State Route 9 south of Snohomish and struck two oncoming vehicles, according to the Washington State Patrol.

This Crash Report is sponsored by CrashLaw.NET, a legal resource for crash victims in Whatcom County.

How the Crash Happened

The crash happened at approximately 7:24 p.m. May 16 near Bickford Avenue at milepost 10.9.

Tristan J. Vaughn, 36, of Shelton, drove a 2009 Ford F-150 northbound on SR 9 when he crossed the center line. His truck first struck a 2004 Hummer H2 driven by Elizabeth Ellen-Payton, 63, of Tacoma. Then it struck a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Kandi E. Ramirez, 46, of Lake Stevens.

Vaughn’s truck rolled and came to rest upside down on the northbound shoulder. Ramirez’s Equinox landed in a ditch on the southbound shoulder. Ellen-Payton’s Hummer stopped on the southbound shoulder with reportable damage and she drove from the scene.

Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools for approximately 17 minutes to free a trapped driver from one of the vehicles, according to emergency radio traffic from Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue.

Injuries and Investigation

Crews transported both Vaughn and Ramirez to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett. Ellen-Payton was not injured.

The Washington State Patrol said drugs or alcohol are suspected factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing. Troopers listed charges against Vaughn as under investigation.

Emergency crews closed SR 9 in both directions for several hours Saturday night while investigators processed the scene and tow crews removed the vehicles. Both the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Equinox were totaled.