Sheriff’s Office investigating fatal North Kitsap car crash

Kitsap County Sheriff’s traffic deputies are investigating the death of a driver in an early-morning car crash near Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor on Thursday.

The accident occurred at 6:40 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, in the 16000 block of Clear Creek Road Northwest, at the intersection with Northwest Closser Drive, about three miles southwest of Poulsbo.

The Kitsap County Coroner’s Office identified the driver of a 2014 Chevrolet Spark who died at the scene as Carolyn Marie Shaw, 57, of Poulsbo.

The driver of the other vehicle in the accident, a 1987 Ford Bronco SUV, a 32-year-old man from Silverdale, was transported to Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton for treatment of serious injuries.

No other vehicles or persons were involved, according to a press release from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation is still in its early stages, according to the release. A preliminary report indicates that the Ford Bronco was traveling northbound on Clear Creek Road Northwest approaching the intersection with Northwest Closser Drive. It was dark and rainy, according to the release.

The release describes what happened like this:

Shaw was driving the Spark westbound on Closser Drive, when she stopped at the intersection. It was dark and raining.

Shaw attempted to turn left at the intersection to head southbound on Clear Creek Road, but reportedly pulled in front of the oncoming Ford Bronco, resulting in an almost direct head-on collision.

The Bronco struck the Spark in its left front corner, then struck the driver’s side door.

The momentum of the collision caused the Bronco to rotate counterclockwise; it hit a street sign before stopping.

The Spark rotated clockwise and continued traveling, striking a fire hydrant and utility pole before coming to a stop.

Evidence at the scene of the crash indicated that Shaw was not wearing a seatbelt, according to investigators.

Several passing motorists reportedly stopped to help administer aid; a physician’s assistant and registered nurse performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Shaw until they were relieved by medic crews.

Investigators don’t believe excessive speed or driver impairment were factors in the collision.

The county’s forensic pathologist will conduct an autopsy of Shaw; the coroner will make a determination of her cause and manner of death, the release states.

Clear Creek Road Northwest was closed for more than three hours while deputies conducted their investigation.