Man charged with causing fatal crash
Man charged with DUI crash in Pierce County.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : An Elma driver is facing serious charges after allegedly causing a fatal three-vehicle crash while driving under the influence. The incident, which occurred on June 5 on State Route 410 at State Route 167 near Sumner, resulted in the tragic death of 46-year-old Jesse Schweickert, a resident of Buckley. Pierce County prosecutors have charged the driver, identified as 37-year-old Matthew Geiger, with vehicular homicide in connection with the crash.
According to court documents, the crash took place in the early hours of the morning, just before 4:20 a.m. A Washington State Patrol trooper responded to the scene, where they found a Chevrolet Blazer SUV overturned, a white Ford nearby, and a Honda Pilot partially in the bushes. The driver of the Ford informed the trooper that she had been travelling westbound on State Route 410 when a vehicle coming towards her down the embankment caused a collision between two other vehicles in front of her, leaving her with no time to react.
At the scene, Geiger was reportedly found walking around in a disoriented state, wearing an unfastened robe. The trooper noted that Geiger’s speech was slurred, and he appeared confused about the events that had transpired. Geiger identified the Chevrolet as his vehicle but claimed to have no recollection of the crash. Schweickert was discovered slumped over in his Honda, where a Port of Seattle police officer was administering CPR. Unfortunately, Schweickert was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severe damage to his vehicle.
Investigators determined that Geiger was travelling north on State Route 167 and attempting to turn eastbound onto State Route 410 when his vehicle veered off the road and collided with Schweickert’s Honda, which was heading west on State Route 410. The impact occurred as the Honda was taking the southbound State Route 167 exit, resulting in a fatal outcome for Schweickert. The Ford driven by the woman also collided with Geiger’s vehicle after the initial crash, causing it to roll over.
During questioning, Geiger reportedly provided inconsistent statements about his whereabouts and destination. He displayed bloodshot and watery eyes, and a Preliminary Breath Test indicated a blood alcohol level of 0.157, well above the legal limit in Washington state. Following his arrest, Geiger was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating consequences that can result. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Jesse Schweickert during this difficult time..
1. Man charged with fatal DUI crash in Pierce County
2. Fatal DUI crash in Pierce County: Man charged.
