Collision near Oso claims Arlington man's life, injures son
By ADAM RUDNICK
Arlington Times Reporter
August 31, 2009 · Updated 3:19 PM
OSO — An Arlington man died Aug. 31 and his son was taken to the hospital after a two-car collision on SR 530 near Oso.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Keith Leary said the car carrying 49-year-old Keith Wheeler and his 27-year-old son, Thomas, struck a dump truck.
Keith Wheeler died at the scene, while his son was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with serious injuries.
Authorities said the Buick sedan carrying the father and son was traveling eastbound when it collided with the front passenger side of the westbound truck, suggesting the car had traveled across the double yellow center line.
Authorities said the father and son had left a family reunion in Silverwood, Idaho, east of Spokane, just after midnight on their way back to Arlington.
The 1992 Buick sedan struck the truck at approximately 5:15 a.m.
The truck driver sustained no injuries.
Leary said Keith Wheeler may have fallen asleep, and fog may have played a role in the collision.
Both passengers were wearing their safety belts.
State Route 530 was closed this morning during the investigation, but was slated to open late morning.
Contact Arlington Times Reporter Adam Rudnick at arudnick@arlingtontimes.com or 360-659-1300 Ext. 5056.Comment on this story.
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