UPDATE: As we previously reported, a serious crash at the intersection of 124th Ave SE and SE Kent Kangley Road on Friday night, Jan. 10, 2025 killed one person.
On Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Ricky Eldon Ballard, 66.
He was killed by multiple blunt force injuries.
Here are more details from Kent Police:
- The crash occurred around 8:01 p.m. in the 12400 block of Kent Kangley Road, prompting numerous 911 calls and a rapid response from Kent Police, Puget Sound Firefighters, and Medics.
- Witnesses pulled the unresponsive driver from his burning blue Ford Mustang and began lifesaving efforts, including the use of an AED, before emergency personnel arrived.
- Despite their efforts, the driver, later determined to be at fault, was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Initial investigations indicate the Mustang was traveling eastbound on Kent Kangley Road when it crossed into the westbound lanes near 124th Avenue Southeast, struck a curb, and collided with two vehicles.
- The driver of one of the westbound vehicles sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene, while the occupants of the second vehicle were unharmed.
The Kent Police Traffic Unit is leading the investigation and is gathering evidence and statements to determine the cause of the collision.
Preliminary findings suggest that alcohol may have been a factor.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the deceased driver.
Everyone at ILoveKent/South King Media sends their deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Ricky.
