PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson Healthcare hospital Commissioner Charles E. “Chuck” Russell is in intensive care in a Seattle hospital today after he was injured in a Wednesday wreck in which his car crossed the centerline and crashed into a pickup truck, killing one of the passengers and injuring two other people.
Russell, 73, of Nordland was listed in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center on Thursday.
His opponent in the Nov. 3 general election, former Port Townsend Mayor Kees Kolff, has suspended his campaign for the seat Russell has held through three six-year terms.
“I was very sorry to learn this morning of Chuck Russell’s accident and wish him a speedy and complete recovery,” Kolff said in a written statement Thursday.
“In light of this event, I am suspending my hospital commissioner campaign as we wait for further information, and I also send my prayers to all of the families affected by this tragic accident.”
Robert F. Dawson, 88, of Bainbridge Island was killed in the 2:15 p.m. wreck on state Highway 104 at Milepost 7.9.
Brett F. Dawson, 54, of Silverdale — another passenger in the pickup — was airlifted to Harborview, where he is listed in serious condition in the intensive care unit.
Pamela J. Thresher, 53, of Suquamish — who was driving the Dodge Ram pickup — was listed in stable condition Thursday at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton.
According to the State Patrol, Russell was traveling west on state Highway 104 when he started driving his 2004 Honda Pilot erratically, moving in and out of lanes and onto the side of the road.
He swerved into the eastbound lane, where he collided with Thresher’s pickup.
The State Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the wreck.
No drugs or alcohol were involved, as determined by a drug recognition officer who was on the scene, according to Trooper Russ Winger, State Patrol spokesman.
All those involved in the wreck were wearing seat belts, the State Patrol said.
The highway was completely blocked by the wreck between Center Road and state Highway 19 until about 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, when traffic was permitted to pass in alternating lanes. Both lanes were reopened at 7:15 p.m.
Both vehicles were destroyed, the State Patrol said.
Russell appeared in three campaign forums earlier this week.
A fourth appearance was scheduled for Thursday night in Quilcene.
Kolff said he will not appear at that forum.
If it is determined before the election that Russell is unable to serve, his name cannot be removed from the ballot, according to county Elections Supervisor Betty Johnson.
If Russell, who has served 18 years as a hospital commissioner, is unable to serve, or if he wins the election and is unable to serve, the other four hospital commissioners will name a replacement with an election in November 2017 to fill the remainder of the six-year term.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
