EDITOR’S NOTE: Cynthia Blackwell informed the Peninsula Daily News on Oct. 16, 2021 that she was not charged in this wreck, although the State Patrol had said charges were pending. A toxicology report also showed she ws not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
SEQUIM — A Sequim man was killed and six others were hurt in a collision involving three cars on U.S. Highway 101 near Louella Road east of Sequim.
Juan C. Porcel, 38, was killed at the scene of the 4:01 p.m. crash that blocked the highway for 2 1/2 hours Saturday evening, the State Patrol said in a memo issued early Sunday morning.
Taken to Olympic Medical Center (OMC) in Port Angeles were Cynthia E. Blackwell, 70, of Port Townsend; Milton C. Garrett, 35, of Port Angeles; and Marysville residents Frank R. Hackbarth, 63, Christopher R. Walton, 72, Teresa L. Hackbarth, 60, and Janet A. Sullivan, 72.
All were treated and discharged, according to the hospital spokesperson on Sunday.
All but Porcel were wearing seat belts, the State Patrol said.
The State Patrol said charges are pending against Blackwell and Garrett.
Blackwell was driving a 2005 Buick Rendezvous on Highway 101 approaching the highway’s intersection with Louella Road when Garrett,who was driving ahead of Blackwell, stopped his 1993 Subaru Impreza in front of her to make a left turn onto Louella Road, the State Patrol said.
Blackwell ran into the back of Garrett’s car, forcing it over the centerline into eastbound traffic. Walton’s 2010 Subaru Forester, traveling east, collided with Garrett’s car which spun 360 degrees and came to rest facing west in the westbound lane.
Porcel was a passenger in Garrett’s car. All the Marysville residents were in Walton’s car. Blackwell was traveling alone.
Drugs or alcohol were involved in the wreck, troopers said.
The State Patrol took all three cars into evidence. Both Subarus were completely destroyed, while the Buick had reportable damage, the State Patrol said.
The roadway was cleared at 6:32 p.m. Saturday.
