Fatal Hit-and-Run on I-5 Near Mercer Street Leaves One Dead

SEATTLE, Wash. — A 53-year-old Seattle man died early Sunday after two vehicles struck him while he crossed Interstate 5 near Mercer Street, and Washington State Patrol investigators are searching for one of the drivers who left the scene.

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The fatal collision occurred around 12:55 a.m. May 31 on southbound I-5 near milepost 166, according to a Washington State Patrol press memo.

Troopers said Brian S. Cimprich, 53, was crossing the freeway from the right shoulder toward the left shoulder when a vehicle traveling in the far left lane struck him. A second vehicle traveling in the adjacent lane also hit the pedestrian moments later.

The first driver, identified as 64-year-old Daniel A. Davidson of Stanwood, stopped at the scene and was not injured.

However, the second driver continued southbound without stopping.

WSP Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run

Washington State Patrol has classified the case as a fatal hit-and-run collision and is seeking information about the second vehicle involved. Troopers described the vehicle only as a silver sedan. The driver had not been identified when the report was released.

Investigators listed a potential charge of felony hit-and-run against the unidentified driver.

Cimprich died at the scene. The King County Medical Examiner completed notification of his family.

Traffic Backups Stretch for Miles

The collision blocked four left lanes of southbound I-5 near the Mercer Street exit during the overnight investigation.

The Washington State Department of Transportation reported that only one right lane and the Mercer Street exit remained open as emergency crews worked at the scene. Traffic backups extended for more than three miles through downtown Seattle.

WSP’s collision report shows the roadway remained blocked for nearly three hours.

Troopers listed the primary cause of the collision as a pedestrian in the roadway. Alcohol or drug involvement remains unknown.

Anyone with information about the silver sedan involved in the collision is encouraged to contact the Washington State Patrol.

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