Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov

*** For Immediate Release***

Date: April 12, 2010
Contact: Trooper Christina Martin
Phone: 425-766-0812
E-mail: Christina.Martin@wsp.wa.gov

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Unbuckled Passenger Dies in Early Morning Collision in Construction Zone

A 25 year old Tumwater man was pronounced dead at Harborview Medical Center after an early morning collision on southbound I-5 at the I-90 interchange.

Damien Mendenhall was the passenger in a 2005 Honda driven by Shane Gram of Yelm. Mendenhall was not wearing his seatbelt when Gram crashed through several barrels marking off the active construction zone. The Honda struck a Department of Transportation (DOT) pickup truck that was stationary within the zone. The pickup was occupied by a DOT worker. The worker sustained minor injuries.

Gram was transported to Harborview Medical Center with non life threatening injuries and is currently under investigation of Vehicular Homicide. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this tragic and preventable collision.

Gram was released from Harborview today and was booked into the King County Jail.

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) would like to remind the public about the importance of wearing safety belts and driving sober. Thousands of traffic related deaths could be prevented every year simply by wearing a seatbelt.

In May the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is kicking off their nighttime Click It or Ticket Patrols throughout Washington State in an effort to reduce vehicle occupant deaths. The fine for failing to wear a seatbelt is $124.

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