CHEWELAH, WA – A collision in eastern Washington involving a moose has left one man dead and a woman seriously injured, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The crash occurred on State Route 395 at approximately 9:08 p.m. Monday, about four miles north of Chewelah near milepost 211, just north of Kramer Road. Authorities say a northbound 2014 Chevrolet Cruze struck a moose that had wandered into the center of the roadway. The driver, a 41-year-old man from Valley, Washington, was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. His name has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
A passenger in the vehicle, identified as Amanda R. Nack, 37, of Chewelah, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by Life Flight to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.
According to investigators, a second vehicle traveling southbound may have hit the moose carcass but did not stop at the scene. The vehicle remains unidentified, and troopers are asking any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward.
The Chevrolet Cruze was declared totaled. It came to rest on the northbound shoulder following the collision.
Troopers confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol were factors in the crash. Whether seatbelts were in use by the vehicle’s occupants remains under investigation.
