Davis Law Group, P.S.

Family outing ends in deadly collision on Highway 3 l Washington Accident Lawyer

Date: July 11, 2009
Location: Poulsbo, Washington. Highway 3
Type: family car collision 
 
A family from Kent, Washington, were on their way to Victoria B.C., late Saturday when a vehicle smashed head-on into the family's car as they were driving home on Highway 3 South of Hood Canal Bridge. The father was immediately killed, and the mother and 11-year-old son were seriously injured. The driver of the vehicle that collided with the family was also killed. The family's 4-year-old daugher was the only one who escaped unharmed from the horrific crash. The father driving the family car was identified by the State Patrol as Michael B. Kelly, 50. The driver of the other vehicle was identified as Wesley A. Schmidt, 60, of Puyallup. Police were called to the scene of the crash at about 11:30 p.m.

The wife said that her husband was chatting with her and listening to the radio as he drove the family's green Jeep Cherokee South on the two-lane highway. Suddenly, Schmidt's white Jeep Grand Cherokee swerved across the centerline, heading north, and slammed head-on into the Kelly's vehicle. Kelly and Schmidt were both pronounced dead at the scene. Officials stated that Michael Kelly was not wearing a seat belt. The mother was taken to Harrison Hospital in Bremerton and the son was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for emergency surgery. The mother, Rosemarie, 45, had suffered spinal injury and six broken ribs. The son, William, 11, is in critical condition with massive head injuries. The sixth-grader from Horizon Elementary School was in surgery for several hours at Harborview and the doctor is hopeful they will be able to save his eyesight despite severe swelling. The crash remains under investigation as troopers try to figure out why Schmidt crossed the centerline of the highway. Family members said Michael Kelly was well-respected around his neighborhood and well known for taking care of his parents, his friends and his neighbors.