Washington State Patrol trooper resigns following fatal 2025 crash

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Patrol said Wednesday it has received and accepted the resignation of Trooper Sarah Lee Clasen, 36, to be effective April 1, 2026.

Currently awaiting trial for vehicular homicide, Clasen, who was off-duty on March 1, 2025, was involved in a fatal collision with motorcyclist Jhoser Emmanuel Vega-Sanchez, 20, in Richland, Washington. Prosecutors allege Clasen failed to yield at the intersection of State Route 240 and Village Parkway, leading to the crash.

Though Clasen attempted to provide aid at the scene, Vega-Sanchez later died from his injuries at a Tri-Cities hospital. Clasen refused field sobriety tests but was arrested after a Richland police officer deemed her impaired. A blood test later revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.17, more than twice the legal limit.

Following her arrest and first court appearance, Clasen was released on her own recognizance and placed on paid administrative leave with a $133,511 salary.

“As her trial is ongoing, we (WSP) will have no further comment regarding her service in the agency, our processes in these matters, or the events leading to her arrest and adjudication until all court proceedings are concluded,” WSP Director of Public Affairs Chris Loftis said in a statement to Elkhorn Media Group.

Clasen’s next court appearance is set for Sept. 10, with the trial scheduled for Sept. 28. Clasen also faces a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the victim’s family.

File photo of Sarah Clasen

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Elkhorn Media Group