The July 17 traffic pile-up on Elliott Avenue just east of the Magnolia Bridge took the life of a 56-year-old woman whose car, a 1998 Subaru Outback, was among those hit by a 2006 Jeep SUV that had crossed the centerline.
The accident reverberated among those who witnessed the scene, and business owners near the scene.
Pictured to the right is a hand-scrawled note stapled to a utility pole nearby. Below is what the author wrote.
“7/17
Dear Woman,
You’ve stuck with me through the day. My partner woke me @ 6:30 saying he heard a car crash. I wanted to sleep but the roar of the news helicopters woke me. I saw the fire trucks from my window. The image of the jeep on its side, bleeding gas stayed with me. And then I saw the pics of your car online.
You didn’t know what would happen today. I am sad. It could have been any one of us, but it was you. I am so sorry.
I’ve been reflecting on how we drive in Seattle – preoccupied, we text, talk on the phone, run red lights, passive aggressively remourselness (sp?) through traffic trying to get somewhere important. We forget we’re driving heavy machines w/ the potential to kill. We forget we ALL have lives.
I’m sorry it took your death, but I intend to slow down, be aware & remember how much my actions affect others, and can do so to great detriment on the road.
Please rest in peace. Blessing to your soul, your family & friends.”
“D.R.”
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