Motorcycle Accident Newsroom

Disabled Motorist Struck and Killed

A 51 year-old male sustained life threatening injuries after being struck by a motorist while attempting to make repairs to his vehicle.

The January 6th incident occurred at 08:53 p.m. when the State Patrol received reports of a multiple car vs. pedestrian collision southbound I-5 at 56th Street. Brian D. Mooney of Steilacoom was in the right hand lane of travel and was believed to be making repairs to his 1991 Chevy T10 pickup.

Mooney’s truck was parked on the right shoulder, however, the shoulder was too small to occupy both Mooney and his vehicle. Mooney was then was struck by 72 year-old Norma Carolyn of Puyallup. She was driving her 2001 Hyundai Elantra in the right lane and was unable to see Mooney in the lane due to the dark, wet roadway. Carolyn came to a stop in the right lane. A second driver, 20 year-old Jennifer Dospapas of Lakewood, was driving her 2006 Hummer and came to a stop behind Carolyn. Christopher Lowery, a 33 year-old from Tacoma, was driving a 2004 International flat bed tow truck in the right lane. Lowery was unable to stop striking Dospapas vehicle, pushing it into Carolyn’s vehicle. A fourth driver, 29 year-old Therese Ulloa of Port Orchard, was driving a 1998 Nissan Maxima. She had observed the events and swerved to the right shoulder to miss the drivers in the right lane and hit Mooney’s truck on the shoulder.

Sadly, Mooney died at the scene from his injuries. The drivers of the other vehicles involved received minor injuries. The roadway was partially blocked for four hours during investigation. Evidence of drugs and alcohol were found in Mooney’s vehicle.

It is recommended to call 911 if you find yourself disabled on the side of the roadway. A trooper can then come and assist you by calling a tow or transporting you to a safe location. Remain in your car and do not get out. If you do not have a cell phone, turn on your emergency flashers and wait for assistance.