According to one of the attorneys involved in the case, the state of Washington has agreed to pay $8.5 million to the families of two individuals who tragically lost their lives in a DUI crash on Whidbey Island in December 2021.
According to a report from the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Sharon Gamble, 77, and Kenneth Weikle, 78, tragically lost their lives on December 18, 2021. The incident occurred when an intoxicated driver named Danielle Cruz struck them with her car after leaving the Washington State Ferries (WSF) Clinton dock on the island.
Earlier coverage suggests that the ferry staff had the ability to prevent the tragic deaths resulting from a DUI crash, according to a lawsuit.
The families’ attorneys argue that the tragedy could have been prevented.
According to Neil Lindquist, the family attorney, the crew made a wrong decision by waking up a driver they knew to be impaired. If they had not taken that action, both families would still have their parents with them today.
More on what happened Dec. 18, 2021
A lawsuit filed in 2022 claims that crew members on the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry route were aware that Cruz had rear-ended another car on the ferry and that there were concerns about her potentially being intoxicated. Several witnesses observed Cruz swerving and even colliding with a car in the holding lanes on the ferry, leading them to report the incident to ferry staff.
The WSF staff had to vigorously tap on her car and gently sway it from side to side in order to wake her up. Afterwards, they kindly permitted her to proceed with driving off the ferry.
New ferries in Washington may not be available for at least four years, according to reports on state transportation.
According to a report by The Whidbey News-Times, an analysis of her blood after the collision revealed the presence of fentanyl, methamphetamine, Lorazepam, and gabapentin.
In reaching an agreement, the state denies any responsibility or liability.
According to Lindquist, the settlement is a clear demonstration of taking responsibility.
Lindquist expressed that the funds provide solace to these families and a glimmer of optimism that such a tragedy can be avoided in the future.
Cruz was sentenced to prison in 2023
Cruz, a previous resident of Lynnwood, was sentenced at the age of 41 after pleading guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide in September 2023. Judge Carolyn Cliff of Island County Superior Court imposed a prison term of 17 1/2 years, which had been suggested by both her attorney and the prosecutor as part of a plea agreement.
During the 2023 sentencing hearing, Paul Miller, Gamble’s son, confronted Cruz, expressing the profound impact of her actions on numerous lives.
According to the Whidbey News-Times, Miller expressed, “I need you to understand that my mother and Ken were the most extraordinary, affectionate, and compassionate individuals I have ever had the privilege of knowing. I am honored to have had her as my mother and Ken as my closest companions. You robbed me of all that. You stole Ken, who meant the world to her.”
