WSP investigates wrong-way fatal collision

By Dan Thesman on Saturday, October 15th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UPDATE: In October 2024, Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Eisinger confirmed he moved to amend the charge of vehicular homicide to driving under the influence against Katie B. Torguson of Kennewick. Read the full story at https://elkhornmediagroup.com/prosecutor-moves-to-amend-charges-in-2022-fatal-crash/

ORIGINAL STORY:

RICHLAND – A Pasco man died early Saturday morning after being struck by a wrong-way driver on State Route 240 near milepost 37 traveling from the Steptoe Street roundabout in Richland.

The Washington State Patrol said Katie B. Torguson, 33, of Kennewick was driving a 2008 Buick Rendezvous traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of the highway when she struck a 2018 Toyota Camry driven by Marshall E. Tapani, 26, of Pasco. Both vehicles were totaled. Troopers responded to the scene at 12:06 a.m. Saturday.

Both drivers were transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center. Tapani died at the hospital. Next of kin has been notified.

Troopers said the accident is being investigated as vehicular homicide and that drugs or alcohol were involved. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Image via Washington State Patrol