The deadly collision happened just across the highway from Ryan’s House for Youth
COUPEVILLE, WA, (February 02, 2025) - An elderly man was struck and killed by a vehicle along Highway 20 near Coupeville Sunday afternoon, according to the Washington State Patrol and witnesses.
Alvin Kent, 74, was fatally hit by a vehicle along Highway 20 near Coupeville Sunday afternoon, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The man, identified as 74-year-old Alvin Kent, had been living on Whidbey Island off and on for many years, per the Island County Coroner.
A preliminary investigation found that Kent and others were headed to The Haven, an overnight shelter on Central Whidbey, in an Island Transit bus. The 74-year-old, using his walker, was struck by a Kia Soul while trying to cross the highway to get to the facility around 4:42 p.m. Kent was hit shortly after getting off the bus, which had pulled into the Island Transit facility—located just across the highway from Ryan’s House for Youth.
The Ryan’s House is a place where Kent and others would be picked up and brought to The Haven.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Last year, in 2022, 147 pedestrians were killed in Washington state, according to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). So far this year, 28 pedestrians have been killed, some on Interstates.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim's family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Alvin Kent may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).