Alan D. Sargent killed in Packwood hit-and-run accident
Investigation underway after suspect flees fatal collision near Skate Creek Road South
Alan D. Sargent, 66, of Puyallup, died Friday after a hit-and-run driver struck him on U.S. Highway 12 near Skate Creek Road South in Packwood, Washington, according to the State Patrol. The crash happened at approximately 7:37 a.m. at milepost 131, troopers said. An unknown driver was heading westbound on the highway when the vehicle hit Sargent, who was on foot. The driver fled the scene after the collision, police said. Responding authorities found the victim dead on the westbound shoulder of the road. The crash is currently under investigation.
The Washington State Patrol is investigating the fatal collision and actively searching for the unidentified driver. Troopers reported that the suspect vehicle was traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 12 when it struck Sargent. The Lewis County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and has completed family notifications. Currently, authorities have not released a description of the suspect vehicle or its direction of travel. Investigators urge anyone who was traveling on Highway 12 near Skate Creek Road South around 7:30 a.m. on Friday to contact the state patrol with any information or dashcam footage.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "I've seen families blindsided by how a simple walk to the park can end in such a terrible tragedy. If a car hits someone at forty miles per hour, there's an eighty-five percent chance they won't survive the impact."
Under Washington state law, the family of a victim killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Even when a driver remains unidentified, victims' families may be able to seek compensation through Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on their own or a household member's auto insurance policy. Legal practitioners advise that preserving evidence and identifying all potential sources of recovery are critical steps in the aftermath of such a tragedy. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help families navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure their rights are protected during an active investigation.