Medical Lake, WA - Fred McDowell Loses Life in Accident on I-90 near SR-902

Medical Lake, WA (June 26, 2025) - A 91-year-old man from Cheney has died following a two-vehicle crash that occurred Friday morning, according to a Wednesday update from the Washington State Patrol.

Fred McDowell was transported to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center after sustaining serious injuries in the crash. Despite life-saving efforts, he later passed away at the hospital, officials confirmed. McDowell had been wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.

The incident took place around 11:30 a.m. on June 21 near the intersection of the I-90 off-ramp and State Route 902, approximately four miles south of Medical Lake. McDowell was driving a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee west on Highway 902, while the other vehicle involved—a 2014 Audi Q5—was traveling eastbound on the I-90 off-ramp when the crash occurred.

The impact caused McDowell’s vehicle to strike a light pole and roll into a ditch, authorities said. The other driver, a 38-year-old woman from Meridian, Idaho, was also transported to Sacred Heart with injuries. She has since been treated and released, according to hospital officials.

The Washington State Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

Our condolences go out to Mr. McDowell’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Washington Car Accidents

Washington State continues to grapple with a troubling rise in deadly traffic accidents, with nearly 800 lives lost on the road in 2023 alone. These fatalities are more than just statistics—they represent parents, children, friends, and neighbors whose futures were tragically cut short. Communities across the state, including cities like Tacoma, Spokane, and Seattle, are feeling the impact of this ongoing crisis.

On a national scale, the problem is even more staggering. In 2023, over 6 million motor vehicle crashes occurred in the U.S., leading to more than 40,000 deaths. Many of these tragedies could have been prevented. While some accidents stem from unavoidable conditions, the overwhelming majority are linked to human behavior, such as distracted driving, excessive speed, impaired driving, or fatigue behind the wheel.

Speeding remains one of the most deadly behaviors on American roads, contributing to over 11,000 fatalities annually. In Washington, high-speed crashes often leave little chance for survival, especially on highways or rural roads with limited visibility and fewer safety barriers.

For families who have lost a loved one in a fatal crash, the emotional toll is profound, and the aftermath can be overwhelming. In addition to grief, many are left dealing with funeral expenses, lost income, unanswered questions, and the difficult task of seeking justice.

At Freeman Law Firm, we understand the heartbreak that follows a fatal car accident. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are here to offer compassionate legal support and pursue accountability on your behalf. We conduct in-depth investigations, work with accident reconstruction experts, and fight for compensation that reflects the true impact of your loss.

Our firm handles all fatal accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we secure a recovery for your family.

If you’ve lost someone in a deadly car crash anywhere in Washington, don’t navigate this difficult time alone. Call Freeman Law Firm at 206-880-2454 to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We’re here to help you find answers—and a path forward.