A late-night collision in Seattle’s Interbay neighborhood turned tragic on July 23, 2025, when a 32-year motorcyclist lost his life after striking a pedestrian near 15th Avenue West and West Newton Street.
As investigators from the Seattle Police Department’s Traffic Collision Investigation Squad (TCIS) scramble to piece together exactly what happened, early findings point to excessive speed and critical gaps in braking distance.
What Happened
Just after 11:20 p.m., responding officers discovered the male rider critically injured in the roadway. The pedestrian—a woman who had just exited a Metro bus—was also severely hurt and rushed to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition. Witnesses told officers the motorcycle was traveling northbound at a “high rate of speed” before impact, leaving skid marks and debris that suggest insufficient braking distance.
TCIS detectives have secured detailed scene photographs, measured skid‐mark lengths, and catalogued helmet fragments. Key evidence includes:
- Skid‐mark analysis to estimate speed at impact.
- Helmet position and damage consistent with a frontal collision.
- Bus surveillance request—Metro has been asked to provide camera footage to confirm the pedestrian’s crossing location and timing.
SPD spokesperson Lt. Chris Bourgeois emphasized, “This investigation remains open and ongoing. Any video or eyewitness accounts can be crucial”.
Expert Perspective
Peter Simshauser, Chief Counsel at NHTSA, underscores that “motorcyclist fatality rates remain nearly 28 times higher per vehicle mile than passenger cars,” highlighting the urgent need for both riders and drivers to practice caution and share the road responsibly.
What’s Next & Public Appeal
TCIS detectives will complete collision reconstruction, including expert speed calculations from skid‐mark data and vehicle crush depth. Once finalized, SPD will release a formal report detailing probable cause and rider‐pedestrian dynamics. In the meantime, authorities urge anyone with dashcam, doorbell‐cam, or cell‐phone footage—especially between 11:15 p.m. and 11:25 p.m.—to contact TCIS at 206-684-8923.
By scrutinizing crash evidence, gathering comprehensive witness accounts, and requesting critical surveillance footage, the TCIS investigation aims to deliver clarity on how this deadly Interbay collision unfolded—and to help prevent future tragedies on Seattle roads.
