Renton man dies in I-5 single-car accident in Kent

A 31-year-old Renton man died in a single-car crash at about 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11 along southbound Interstate 5 in Kent near the State Route 516 interchange at mile post 149.

A 31-year-old Renton man died in a single-car crash at about 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11 along southbound Interstate 5 in Kent near the State Route 516 interchange at mile post 149.

Robert Gilreath died from blunt injuries to the head and body, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Gilreath was alone in a 2004 Honda Civic traveling southbound on I-5 when the car left the roadway, rolled and came to rest in the right side ditch, according to a State Patrol accident report. Gilreath was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. He was dead at the accident scene.

Gilreath’s survivors include two boys, ages 6 and 3, according to an email from the mother of the boys. She said Gilreath had not been involved in the boys’ lives for about three years because of relationship issues, but that he loved the boys very much. Gilreath’s parents live in Samoa as do other members of his immediate family.

It is unknown if drugs or alcohol were involved, according to the State Patrol. The cause of the accident is under investigation. The vehicle was totaled.

The accident blocked one lane for more than two hours.


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