One man is dead and another is in critical condition following a single-car crash Monday near the intersection of Cattle Point Road and Madden Lane.
Authorities believe vehicle speed and alcohol contributed to the Memorial Day crash, which occurred just south of that intersection at about 6:30 p.m.
Dana Kempton, 25, who suffered severe injuries, was flown to Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center in the wake of the collision. Authorities have yet to identify the 23-year-old man killed in the crash, pending notification of next-of-kin. He had a history, however, of living on the island, according to Sheriff Bill Cumming.
Based on preliminary investigation, Cumming said it appears Kempton, a long-time San Juan Island resident, was behind the wheel when the Dodge Caravan the two men were traveling in veered off the road at a high rate of speed, flipped one-and-a-half times in the air, and then landed near the edge of the roadway.
The driver, Cumming said, apparently “overcorrected” and then lost control of the van.
The fatal crash reportedly was witnessed by someone driving that stretch of road at the same time. The witness helped to extinguish a small engine fire under the hood of the heavily-damaged van.
The 23-year-old, pronounced dead at the scene, was found outside the van, while Kempton was inside the vehicle, when emergency personnel arrived.
Cumming said although vehicle speed and possible alcohol use remain under investigation, it appears that the two men had been drinking alcohol shortly before the collision. He said whether either was wearing a seat belt is under investigation as well.
