Woman killed, man seriously injured in collision on SR 109 Monday

Elma woman had been driving car that crossed center line near Grass Creek Loop Road

An Elma woman was killed and a man injured when their vehicles collided head-on on State Route 109 north of Hoquiam on Monday morning.

A Honda Accord, driven by 41-year old Stephanie Downing, reportedly crossed the center lane and collided with a Dodge Ram truck driven by a 45-year old Tonasket man shortly after 7 a.m. near the south entrance to Grass Creek Loop Road, about six miles north of Hoquiam.

The Accord came to rest in the northbound lane, the pickup in the southbound ditch. Medical personnel responded and the Elma woman was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where she later succumbed to her injuries. State Trooper Russel Winger confirmed her death was reported just before 2:30 p.m. Monday.

The man was transported to Grays Harbor Community Hospital; his condition is unknown at this time. Both were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, according to a report filed by State Trooper Tessa Watson.

State Route 109 was closed in both directions until just before noon. Traffic was diverted through Grass Creek Loop Road while DOT crews cleared the scene.