Chelan, WA - Three-Car Accident with Injuries on Hwy 97 near Knapps Hill Tunnel

Chelan, WA (May 31, 2025) — A serious three-vehicle collision along Highway 97A on May 30 left one man critically injured and two others with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred near the mouth of the Knapps Hill Tunnel around 7:30 p.m.

According to the Washington State Patrol, 37-year-old Darren A. Reyes of Entiat was driving southbound in a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox when he veered into the northbound lane at milepost 225. His SUV collided head-on with a 2007 Lexus before being struck again by a 2003 Dodge Ram pickup.

Troopers suspect that Reyes was impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. He was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with serious injuries.

The driver of the Lexus, 35-year-old Dmytro Pavlus of Auburn, and the Dodge Ram driver, 35-year-old Juvenal Gomez of Chelan, were both transported to Lake Chelan Health for evaluation and treatment.

All three vehicles sustained total damage in the wreck. The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to confirm the cause and determine whether charges will be filed.

We hope for the full and rapid recovery of the injured victims. 

Washington Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents continue to be a serious issue in Chelan and throughout the state of Washington. Every day across the U.S., more than 17,000 crashes are reported—leading to approximately 7,500 injuries and over 100 deaths. In Washington alone, hundreds of thousands of collisions occur annually, resulting in tens of thousands of injuries and the loss of more than 600 lives in 2023 alone.

Chelan County has not been immune to this troubling trend. From scenic highways like 97A to busy local roads, serious crashes involving both residents and visitors are becoming increasingly common. Many of these incidents can be traced back to driver negligence. Speeding remains one of the most frequent causes of collisions in the region, often turning what could have been a minor incident into a devastating one. Distracted driving—from cell phone use to other in-car activities—is another leading factor, along with impaired driving due to alcohol or drug use.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in the Chelan area, you’re likely facing a number of difficult challenges. Injury crashes can bring not only physical pain, but also emotional trauma and financial stress. Victims are often left to deal with:

• Time away from work and lost income
• Expensive vehicle repairs or a total loss
• Mounting hospital and rehabilitation bills
• Long-term pain and medical complications
• Anxiety, depression, and emotional strain

At Freeman Law Firm, our dedicated team of car accident attorneys understands how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be. We proudly serve the Chelan community and are committed to helping injured individuals and their families recover the compensation they deserve. Whether your crash was caused by a reckless driver, someone under the influence, or a distracted motorist, we will investigate your case and fight for accountability.

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you won’t owe us anything unless we successfully resolve your case. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

If you've been hurt in a Chelan car crash, don’t wait. Contact Freeman Law Firm today at 206-880-2454 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice and healing.