Local News

Okanogan Woman Killed After Being Ejected From Vehicle

Feb 24, 2014

Separate collisions led to two deaths and injuries to two others, in north central Washington. All four failed to wear seatbelts.

On Saturday in Okanogan County a one vehicle collision on SR97 claimed the life of Joyce Baughman of Okanogan. Baughman was driving a 1997 Dodge Caravan North on SR 97 at milepost 270, 9 miles north of Brewster, when the vehicle left the roadway to the right, re-entered the road crossing both lanes. The vehicle rolled over, coming to rest on its roof in the southbound ditch. Baughman was not wearing a seatbelt, and was ejected from the vehicle. A passenger in the vehicle, J C Baughman was injured when he was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported to Three Rivers Hospital. Mr. Baughman was not wearing a seatbelt.

A rollover collision on SR28 just east of East Wenatchee on Friday afternoon led to the death of the driver and sent the passenger to the hospital when the vehicle left the roadway, and rolled several times. Neither of the occupants was wearing a seatbelt, and both were ejected from the vehicle.

Shawn McKee, of East Wenatchee was driving west on SR 28 in a 1998 Chevrolet Pickup, when the vehicle left the roadway to the right. The vehicle re-entered the roadway crossing both lanes of SR28, leaving the roadway to the left rolling down an embankment. A passenger in the vehicle, Holly Waugaman of East Wenatchee, was injured and transported by aid to Confluence Health.

Properly wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of injury and death in a collision. These deaths and injuries may have been prevented if seatbelts had been properly worn. WSP Troopers will be conducting seatbelt emphasis patrols throughout District 6. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $124. The cost of not wearing a seatbelt during a collision could be priceless.