Family of Bothell Couple Killed by Falling Tree on Highway 2 Files Claims With State

This article was reported and written by Greg Johnston.

The family of a couple killed by a falling tree east of Stevens Pass during an ice storm in December has filed six claims with the state, saying it should have closed Highway 2 before the incident, reports the Seattle Times.

The ice-heavy tree fell that on their SUV instantly killed Tim Owen, 58, and Cheryl Reed Owen, 56. It also severely injured two of their daughters and a son-in-law, Jessica Owen, 27; Jaime Owen-Mayer, 25; and Steven Mayer, 25.

More than 100 trees had fallen during the ice storm before the Dec. 21 incident, including three that fell on Highway 2 the day before. Chelan County had declared an emergency in the nearby Lake Wenatchee area, closing other roads and discouraging driving. But Highway 2 was not closed by the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) until the day after the tree fell on the family, after a second car was hit by a tree on the highway.

The six claims filed were with the State Attorney General’s Office, with no damage amount requested. But medical bills for the survivors, who continue to struggle with their severe injuries, have already surpassed $1 million.

The Times reports that both the attorney general’s office and WSDOT said it is too early to comment on the claims.

See the Times story by clicking here.