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 29, 2010
Contact: Trooper Brandy Kessler
Phone: (253) 536-4386
(253) 606-1796
E-mail: Brandy.Kessler@wsp.wa.gov

---

15 Year Old Pedestrian Dies This Morning After Being Hit Last Night by a Box van

A 15 year old girl died this morning from injuries received after being hit last night by a box van in Milton.

At approximately 9:00 pm last night Kelsey Parrett was walking with her friend on the east side of 15th St. going northbound. A witness stated they saw the two girls walking on the shoulder of the roadway as they drove by. A white 1995 GMC Stepvan came upon the two girls and drove off the roadway hitting Kelsey, who was nearest the roadway. The van swerved left and kept going up the roadway then came to a stop. The driver, 47 year old Robert V. Mitzel and his passenger, 48 year old Gary W. Baines, got out of the van and went back to the two girls. After having a brief conversation with them, they got back in the van and drove it up the street to Mitzel’s residence on Hemlock Ct. They parked the van and eventually went back to the scene where they were later arrested.

Kelsey was transported to Madigan Army Hospital in critical condition. Neither Mitzel nor Baines were injured.

Detectives were at the scene for 4 hours while conducting an investigation.  It is believed alcohol may have been a factor.  Both Mitzel and Baine were booked into the Pierce County Jail on charges of Hit and Run and Vehicle Assault. 

Early this morning the Pierce County Medical Examiner advised the state patrol that Kelsey had passed away.

The Washington State Patrol continues to stop and arrest drivers who are driving impaired. We intend to meet our goal of zero deaths by 2030. Please do your part and don’t drive impaired.

NEXT OF KIN HAS BEEN NOTIFIED

###