Seattle Woman Dies After Climbing Out of Moving Vehicle on I-5

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — A 33-year-old Seattle woman died early Monday after exiting a moving vehicle on Interstate 5 near Federal Way, where a second vehicle struck her, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The fatal crash happened at about 12:17 a.m. Aug. 10 on northbound I-5, just south of South 272nd Street, WSP said. Troopers said the woman had been riding in a vehicle traveling in the third lane of the five-lane freeway when she climbed out while it was still moving. She then landed between lanes one and two, where the second vehicle hit her.

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Woman Died at the Scene

The woman came to rest on the right shoulder after the collision. Troopers identified her as 33-year-old Justina N. Bruns of Seattle; she died at the scene, and WSP said crews completed next-of-kin notification there as well.

Both vehicles involved in the crash also came to a stop on the right shoulder. Daniel A. Paz Ruiz, 40, of Tacoma, drove the first vehicle, a white 2019 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. Troopers said Paz Ruiz wore his seat belt and escaped injury. However, WSP has not released details about the driver or vehicle that struck Bruns.

Northbound I-5 Closed for Hours

The crash shut down the roadway for approximately three hours and 45 minutes as investigators worked the scene.

WSP has not said why Bruns exited the moving vehicle, and investigators are still determining what caused the crash. Meanwhile, the agency listed drugs or alcohol involvement as unknown in its initial report. Troopers reported no other injuries.

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