LOON LAKE, WA — A tragic multi-vehicle collision on Highway 395 near Loon Lake claimed the lives of two people on Sunday afternoon. The crash, which occurred around 4 p.m. near Sunset Bay Road, involved three vehicles and has prompted a detailed investigation by the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
According to WSP, two vehicles were heading northbound on Highway 395 when one of the drivers attempted to pass the other by using the right shoulder of the road. During the attempted pass, the vehicle sideswiped the other car, sending both northbound vehicles veering into the southbound lane of the highway. One of the cars then collided head-on with a southbound vehicle, while the other crashed into a nearby tree.
The crash resulted in the deaths of 43-year-old Amber Calicoat and 21-year-old Abigail Hill. Both victims were reportedly not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, a factor authorities believe contributed to the severity of their injuries. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but both Calicoat and Hill were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other people were also injured in the collision. While their names and conditions have not been released, officials confirmed they were treated for injuries sustained during the crash. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the injured individuals were passengers or drivers of the involved vehicles.
The driver who initiated the illegal pass is now under investigation and may face charges, though specific charges are still under review. WSP also confirmed that drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash, but did not specify which driver or drivers were impaired. Toxicology results are pending as part of the ongoing investigation.
The fatal crash has left the local community mourning the loss of two lives and raised serious concerns about reckless and impaired driving. Law enforcement officials are reminding all motorists of the importance of adhering to traffic laws, using seatbelts, and avoiding dangerous maneuvers like shoulder passing.
As investigators continue to gather evidence and reconstruct the events leading up to the crash, WSP is urging anyone with information or witness accounts to come forward. More updates are expected in the coming days as authorities work to bring closure and accountability to those affected.
