48-year-old killed while biking in Kent

Approximate location of the collision as of August 2022 via Google Street View.

A 48-year-old man was killed today in a collision with a 24-year-old driving southbound on Central Avenue South, according to the Kent Police Department.

Our condolences to his friends and family.

The collision occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m., and the initial information from the police says the person driving stopped, did not show signs of impairment and is cooperating with the investigation. Police released few additional details, saying only that witnesses on scene reported seeing the bicycle abruptly turn in front of a vehicle."

Take caution not to jump to conclusions based on this early information, however. Full investigations often reveal circumstances much different than initial reports indicate.

The 800 block of Central Avenue South is in the middle of a half-mile stretch of the avenue without a traffic signal or crosswalk. The street has two lanes in each direction plus a center turn lane. It does not have bike lanes. Ryan Packer reported that the traffic death numbers in Kent have increased dramatically in 2023.

Anyone with additional information should call the Kent PD Tip Line 253-856-5808 or leave a tip at KPDTipLine@kentwa.gov. Refer to Kent Case Number 23-15895."