A tragic accident on Interstate 5 near Grand Mound on Friday night resulted in the death of 38-year-old motorcyclist Justin R. Tietje, a resident of Duvall, King County. The Washington State Patrol reported that the incident occurred around 8 p.m. near milepost 88.
According to initial investigations, Tietje was traveling south on his motorcycle when he collided with an SUV driven by a 31-year-old woman from Lakewood, who was also headed in the same direction. The impact caused Tietje to crash into a right-side barrier. Emergency responders arrived on the scene, but unfortunately, Tietje was pronounced dead at the site of the accident.
Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock confirmed Tietje’s identity through fingerprint analysis. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the exact cause of death. The Washington State Patrol is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to uncover more details.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with motorcycle riding and the importance of road safety for all motorists. As the investigation continues, thoughts are with Tietje’s family and friends during this difficult time.
