Authorities identified 29-year-old Neil Blankenship as the man who lost his life following a single-vehicle accident that also injured another person early Friday morning in Tacoma.
As per the initial information, the fatal car crash was reported moments before 3 a.m. on State Route 509 at Taylor Way East. The preliminary investigation indicated that a Nissan Maxima occupied by two men was traveling south on the highway when the driver drifted off the road to the right and hit the telephone pole.
The passenger, identified as Neil Blankenship, of Tacoma, suffered major injuries and was declared dead at Tacoma General Hospital. The driver, who was suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, also received injuries and was transported to the hospital. The extent of his injuries is unknown at this time.
Both the driver and the passenger were not buckled up at the time of the crash. The vehicle ended up on railroad tracks after it crashed into the pole. The car was wrecked as a result of the accident. State Route 509 was partly shut down for approximately 40 minutes as crews worked at the scene.
According to the officers, a recommendation for vehicular homicide charges would be forwarded to the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review once the driver is released from the hospital. No other details are immediately available.
The incident remains under review.
May 21, 2022
Source: The News Tribune