Motorcyclist Killed in I-5 Crash Identified as Justin Tietje

The motorcyclist who tragically lost his life in a Friday night accident on Interstate 5 near Grand Mound has been identified as 38-year-old Justin R. Tietje from Duvall, King County, according to the Thurston County Coroner. The crash, which occurred around 8 p.m., has left investigators with unanswered questions as they work to determine what led to the fatal collision.

According to the Washington State Patrol, Tietje was traveling southbound on his motorcycle near milepost 88 when the accident happened. He collided with an SUV driven by a 31-year-old woman from Lakewood. After the collision, Tietje struck the right-side barrier on the highway. Sadly, he died at the scene from the injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the SUV and her 35-year-old passenger were unharmed.

Coroner Gary Warnock confirmed Tietje’s identity through fingerprint analysis. An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday to further investigate the cause of death. While initial reports indicate that the crash occurred after Tietje collided with the SUV, the circumstances leading up to the accident remain under investigation.

The crash caused significant delays for commuters, as the section of I-5 near Grand Mound was closed for over four hours while authorities conducted their investigation. Traffic was backed up for miles, and drivers were asked to use alternate routes during the closure.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are looking for witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to the crash. No charges or citations have been issued at this time, and the Washington State Patrol has not yet determined if any factors such as speed or impairment played a role in the collision.

This tragic incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers motorcyclists face on the road. Tietje’s family is left mourning his loss as investigators work to bring clarity to the circumstances of the crash. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Washington State Patrol as they continue their efforts to piece together the details of this fatal accident.