PORT TOWNSEND — A Quilcene woman was killed when she lost control of her vehicle on state Highway 20 near the intersection of Eaglemount Road.
Krystal J. Reuther, 25, of Quilcene was driving a 2004 Honda Civic eastbound near milepost 2 when she approached a curve and lost control of the vehicle at about 4:55 p.m. Monday, the State Patrol said.
She tried to regain control by over-steering the vehicle but was going too fast for the wet road conditions, according to the State Patrol.
Reuther crossed the center line and entered the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Kevin Bennett, 35, of Port Angeles was driving his 1992 Ford F-250 truck westbound and collided with Reuther. Both vehicles came to rest on the westbound shoulder.
Reuther was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the State Patrol.
Bennett was transported to Jefferson Healthcare hospital in Port Townsend. He was treated and discharged. His truck was severely damaged.
The highway was closed for 4½ hours. Troopers blocked the road at state Highway 20 and Eaglemount and state Route 20 and U.S. Highway 101.
Officer Trooper Chelsea Hodgson, State Patrol public information officer, said District 8 troopers responded to seven collisions during Monday’s wet road conditions.
Hodgson reminded drivers that slick road conditions are present during the first rains of the fall season making the surface slick. She advised everyone to slow down, increase the following distance and be patient.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
