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 FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2010 10:21 pm |
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Local News 
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Driver had 8 beers before crash that killed 4, police say MARYSVILLE — The man alleged to have caused the worst drunken driving crash in recent Snohomish County history on Sunday told police he drank eight beers before getting behind the wheel.Two hours after the crash that killed four people, Matthew C. McDonald, 27 of Snohomish, allegedly had a blood alcohol level of .123, according to a police report filed Monday in Everett District Court. That's 1.5 times the legal limit. McDonald is being held for investigation of four counts of vehicular homicide. A judge ordered him held in lieu of $1 million bail. While McDonald appeared for a court hearing, friends and family were gathering to comfort two families who lived across the street from each other in rural Clearview. Among those killed was Bradley Agerup, 54, and his wife, Melissa, 48. Bradley Agerup worked for 26 years as a physical education teacher at Mariner High School, principal Brent Kline said. Agerup was the athletic trainer for the Mukilteo School District and was much loved by his students, Kline said. Also killed were Hilda Woods, 62, and Thomas Woods, 57, according the Washington State Patrol. The two couples were in a southbound car that was struck by a Ford Explorer that ran a stop sign around 6:15 p.m. at Highway 9 near Marysville. Detectives allege McDonald was driving at least 40 mph in a 35 mph zone when he failed to stop and crashed into the other car, the court document said. After the crash, McDonald fled but was later convinced to surrender, the patrol reported. He suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital and released. A 32-year-old passenger in his car also was injured. A passenger in McDonald's vehicle told police he had asked the man to slow down prior to the crash, the court document said. The crash is the deadliest drunken driving related incident in the county in recent memory, said Tracy McMillan, the Snohomish County DUI Task Force Coordinator. |
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COMMENTS
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My heart goes to the families who lost someone on that tragic day. I worked at the same school district as Brad and saw him frequently when I would be working at his school where he worked. Brad always brought a smile to my face as he would always say hello to me with a smile and ask me how I was doing. Brad, you are missed by so many people that you have crossed paths with. Rest in peace my friend.
Rex Sites | Dec 1, 2009 11:20 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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The article didn't say if McDonald had any previous convictions for drunk driving. It wouldn't surprise me, though.
Perhaps there should be a 'weight endorsement' attached to a Washington State driver's license. This endorsement allows a driver to operate a motor vehicle heavier than a Hyundai. Get convicted of drunk driving and you lose your weight endorsement.
Since we can't seem to, as a society, keep repeat drunk drivers off the road, perhaps we should restrict the size of the weapon they are allowed to use against us. Perhaps if McDonald was driving a Hyundai or similar weight vehicle the result wouldn't have been so devastatingly one-sided.
Milton Hathaway | Nov 30, 2009 5:31 pm | 2 replies | Request removal
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Second that wholeheartedly. Would also amend to prohibit any modifications to the vehicle from stock. NO fancy wheels, paint, tinted windows, motors, just a plain vanilla transportation device.
jon coulter | Nov 30, 2009 11:55 pm | Request removal
Since when is a .22 caliber bullet less lethal than a .44 magnum? Lighter vehicle, same deadly force
Marvin Miller | Dec 01, 2009 5:27 am | Request removal
I played football for mariner for 4 years and Coach Agerup was there to help us through every single thing that we had wrong with us he was a very kind hearted person and he was considered a family member to each person that knew him we all love you Agerup... Anyone that knew him were having a candle lighting at 7pm at mariner today....
on another note i hope the driver goes to life in prison it should have been you in the place of all those people you harmed you pile of crap your going to hell for what you did especially for trying to run when you killed four innocent people burn in hell you p.o.s
kalin nichols | Nov 30, 2009 3:08 pm | 1 replies | Request removal
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Hello, The driver of the vehicle that hit these people in this accident is my younger brother. They are obviously good people and are really missed. To the families, friends and anyone who knew them, My brother, My entire family and myself send the deepest sympathy to you for your losses. My brother has the best heart out of anyone I know and he is crushed and will never be the same. He is a very good man. He is not and has never been a criminal or has any charges. He has made a terrible mistake. To the people writing the negative stuff about him, I kindly ask you not to. Please. Just remember that he has a family also and we will be essentially losing him also. A terrible tragity. Peace,----Scott
Scott McDonald | Nov 30, 2009 11:25 pm | Request removal
As for all of us to went to Mariner High School, this news will be rather hard to swallow. Mr. Agerup was the sports trainer for all Mariner athletics, for at least 2 decades. I was class of '93, he will be one of the ones I will never forget, the genuine article. I remember seeing him on TV, working the sidelines as part of the Seahawks training staff. He will be missed....
Sean Keck | Nov 30, 2009 10:34 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Brad and Melissa were our friends. Without them, we would never have the memories we have of our father at his house. Our father died Thanksgiving Day 2008.
They both were kind enough to agree to let us their home in Lake Chelan. In speaking with him just this past Tuesday night, we were talking about our children and how proud we are of them. BUT, WOW, how proud are we of Brad Agerup- Husband, Father, Teacher but most of all friend.
To the girls: just last year I lost my last parent. I am able to stand in your shoes and tell you that in the future it will indeed stop hurting. And maybe the greatest way you could represent your parents is to for comfort to the gentlemen who his them. Forgiveness heals wounds!
We wish you peace and comfort at this time!
Shellie Denton | Nov 30, 2009 10:13 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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If the drunk driver is from Snohomish and this collision occurred in near Marysiville... where exactly were the eight beers consumed? At a bar or tavern?
D. M. | Nov 30, 2009 2:54 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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sherri bennett | Nov 30, 2009 2:16 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Telling a drunk to slow down won't keep them from killing someone. The passenger in McDonald's car should take partial responsibility.
If you see someone weaving on the road - call 911. You just might save a life,possibly even your own.
Frankie the Fly | Nov 30, 2009 2:06 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Mr. Agerup was one of the best teachers I ever had. He taught me in his health and sports medicine classes. I was so engaged in the content of his classes, it helped me pursue my career in nursing. He will surely be missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to both families. I am sorry for all the loss of lives taken yesterday.
f n a | Nov 30, 2009 1:55 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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