New details emerge in wrongful death lawsuit filed against off-duty WSP trooper

BENTON COUNTY, Washington – New details have emerged about a wrongful death civil lawsuit filed on March 17 against off-duty Washington State Patrol Trooper Sarah Lee Clasen, 35, for the death of 20-year-old Jhoser Emmanuel Vega-Sanchez. The lawsuit claims Clasen was allegedly driving under the influence on March 1 and did not yield before turning in front of Vega-Sanchez’s motorcycle on State Route 240 in Richland, leading to his death.

According to the Richland Police Department, Clasen refused sobriety and breath tests and was arrested for vehicular homicide, with a blood sample awaiting analysis.

Clasen, a 14-year Washington State Patrol veteran, has been put on paid leave. She was released on her own recognizance after her first court appearance on March 3.

The lawsuit states, “Clasen’s failure to exercise ordinary care and to obey Washington law proximately caused injuries, damages, harms and losses to the plaintiffs in an amount to be determined at trial.”

Attorney Jeff Kreutz of Tamaki Law, who represents Vega-Sanchez’s family, explained that while the investigation into the fatal crash is not complete and formal charges have not yet been filed, the civil case can proceed without criminal charges.

Because Clasen lives and works in Benton County, Elkhorn Media Group asked Kreutz if there’s a chance there would be a change of venue.

“We do not anticipate a change of venue,” Kreutz explained. “The members of this community are affected by the facts of this incident, and they are entitled to render judgment on behalf of the community.”

As for damages, Kreutz said that has not been determined at this point but added, “The death of a 20-year-old young man, with a bright future and unrealized potential, qualifies for large damages.”

The civil trial is scheduled to begin in March 2026.

Photo via Richland Police Department of Sarah Clasen being arrested following accident.

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