Christopher R. Salge Obituary – A fatal collision involving three vehicles resulted in the death of a motorcyclist and the closure of southbound Interstate 5 in Smokey Point for over six hours on Tuesday. The incident was reported at approximately 3 a.m. The closure extended for four miles, starting just south of State Route 531/172nd Street Northeast and reaching Arlington to the Tulalip Casino and Outlet Mall.
According to Washington State Patrol Trooper Kelsey Harding, the crash involved a motorcycle, a Jeep, and a semi-truck. The motorcycle was traveling at a high speed when it collided with the Jeep. Harding stated, “The motorcycle driver struck the rear of a Jeep on the driver side, and the Jeep was able to pull to the shoulder and activate their hazards, but the motorcycle rider and the bike were down.”
Investigators revealed that the semi-truck passed by without noticing the motorcyclist on the road. Harding explained, “The semi saw the hazards on the right shoulder and moved… to try to give them space on the shoulder and before they were able to realize what was in the roadway, they struck the motorcycle rider and the motorcycle.”
The deceased motorcyclist was identified as Christopher R. Salge, a 40-year-old resident of Arlington, by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner.
Troopers were observed examining the freeway, where debris from the crash was scattered across the road. Harding mentioned that they would analyze tire marks to estimate the speed of the vehicles involved.
Both the Jeep driver and the semi-truck driver remained at the scene and are cooperating with the investigation. This tragic incident serves as a reminder for drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits. Darlene Gay, a driver, expressed her sadness over the incident and emphasized the importance of slowing down. Harding also urged the public to obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and refrain from driving under the influence.
All lanes of the interstate reopened at approximately 9:30 a.m.