38-Year-Old Lynnwood Woman Killed in SR 99 Motorcycle Crash

LYNNWOOD, Wash. — A 38-year-old Lynnwood woman died Thursday morning after her motorcycle struck a semi-trailer on southbound State Route 99.

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Washington State Patrol initially investigated the July 30 collision as a hit-and-run. However, detectives later located the semi and determined its driver apparently did not know the collision had occurred.

“Further investigation led detectives to change that assessment,” Trooper Kelsey Harding said.

Motorcycle Struck Semi-Trailer

The collision happened at approximately 4:37 a.m. between Lincoln Way and State Route 525.

According to WSP, Karen J. Kim merged onto southbound SR 99 from 31st Avenue West on a 2017 Kawasaki EX300 motorcycle. Meanwhile, the semi was traveling south in the first lane.

Kim’s motorcycle struck the semi’s trailer before coming to rest in the roadway. She died at the scene.

WSP reported that Kim wore a helmet that complied with U.S. Department of Transportation standards.

The semi driver, identified as 43-year-old Everett resident Puneet Singh, was not injured.

Witness Report Prompted Hit-and-Run Investigation

Witnesses initially told investigators that a semi stopped just south of where Kim came to rest. They reported seeing the driver get out, walk around the truck and then leave.

Based on those reports, WSP began investigating the collision as a fatal hit-and-run. Trooper Kelsey Harding initially described the vehicle as a semi with a blue cab and white trailer.

Detectives later located the truck and interviewed its driver. They also reviewed video from nearby businesses.

“After reviewing video footage of the collision from nearby businesses and interviewing the suspected fleeing driver, it did not appear the driver had knowledge of the collision which is necessary for an incident to be considered a hit-and-run.”

Washington State Patrol

The road reopened later Thursday morning.

WSP continues to investigate the cause of the collision. Investigators have not determined whether drugs or alcohol played a role.

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