Fatal motorcycle crash closes northbound I-5 lanes for more than 5 hours at SR 516 in Kent early Friday

A 50-year-old Federal Way man died early Friday, Oct. 10, after a collision on northbound I-5 near SR 516 in Kent, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Troopers said the crash happened around 2:13 a.m. when a motorcycle and a car were traveling north in the second lane approaching SR 516.

The motorcycle struck the car, ejecting the rider.

Washington State Patrol, fire crews and aid units responded to the scene.

Both the motorcycle and the rider came to rest in the same lane, while the car stopped at the gore point from SR 516 .

Sadly, the rider, identified as Aaron P. Wardrip, died at the scene, WSP said. He was wearing a helmet. His next of kin was notified.

The driver of the second vehicle, a 59-year-old man from Renton, was not injured and had been wearing a seatbelt.

The crash blocked the interstate for 5 hours and 27 minutes while troopers investigated and cleared the scene .

The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were involved, WSP said.

Just after 2am NB 5 near SR 516 there was a one motorcycle / car fatal collision which closed all lanes for some time. At this point it appears the car was not at fault for the collision. More details when we have them.

— Trooper Rick Johnson (@wspd2pio) October 10, 2025

CLEARED: The collision on NB I-5 at SR 516 in Kent has cleared and all laned are now open. https://t.co/WnmgmOQFRr

— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) October 10, 2025

UPDATE 6:40am: NB I-5 backup is now 10 miles near Emerald St after an earlier crash at NB I-5 and SR 516 in Kent. Four lanes remain closed. No estimate for reopening.

Continue to expect significant delays and use alt routes if possible. https://t.co/45LMswW9uj pic.twitter.com/Gt5pViqE8L

— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) October 10, 2025