Deadly collision was near North Tschirley Road and East Dalton Avenue, officials say
SPOKANE VALLEY, WA, (January 05, 2025) - A delivery driver was fatally hit by a vehicle in an industrial area in Spokane Valley Sunday evening, authorities said. The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 43-year-old Paul Connelly.
Paul Connelly, 43, was struck and killed by a vehicle near North Tschirley Road and East Dalton Avenue in Spokane Valley Sunday evening, authorities said. Connelly was hit shortly after making a delivery.
The incident happened near North Tschirley Road and East Dalton Avenue around 5:30 p.m.
Connelly was crossing the road to return to his car after making a delivery on the west side of Tschirley, and that is when he was struck by a Subaru traveling north on the same route. The Subaru's driver told investigators he was looking at Connelly's parked car—a Kia—when an object appeared in front of his car, and he could not avoid the crash. As a result, Connelly was hit, leaving him fatally injured.
Connelly's death resulted from blunt-force injuries, according to the medical examiner's office.
This is an ongoing investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Last year, in 2022, 147 pedestrians were killed in Washington state, according to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). So far this year, 28 pedestrians have been killed, some on Interstates.
“In most instances, pedestrians possess the right of way when crossing an intersection or a street regardless of if they are in a marked crosswalk,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, noted that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted by a seasoned lawyer to help protect the rights of the victim's family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the family of Paul Connelly may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for the loss of love and companionship.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).