A man crosses Evergreen Way near Casino Road in Everett, one of many stretches of Highway 99 that pose a hazard to pedestrians. (Andy Bronson / Herald file)

A man crosses Evergreen Way near Casino Road in Everett, one of many stretches of Highway 99 that pose a hazard to pedestrians. (Andy Bronson / Herald file)

2 pedestrians identified after crashes on dangerous Evergreen Way

Richard Nelson, 88, and Sean Stratton, 40, both died last week after being hit in unrelated accidents.

EVERETT — Two pedestrians died this month within blocks of each other on Evergreen Way, long one of the deadliest roads for walkers and bikers in Snohomish County.

Both were identified Wednesday.

On March 7, Richard Nelson was crossing the thoroughfare near 100th Street SW around 6:10 a.m., according to police. Unable to avoid Nelson, a driver hit him.

First responders tried to revive Nelson, but he died. He was 88.

Three days later, Sean Stratton was arguing with a woman on the sidewalk around 5 a.m. when she crossed Evergreen, Everett police officer Kerby Duncan said. She made it across the lanes of traffic safely. He followed.

Stratton, 40, didn’t appear to see an oncoming car, however. He was reportedly struck by a driver heading north between Center Road and 112th Street SW.

In both incidents, the drivers remained on scene and did not appear to be impaired. Both men died of blunt force injuries, the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office determined.

While the investigations remain active, no criminal cases were expected in connection with either fatal crash, Duncan said.

With its many lanes of traffic and high speeds, Evergreen Way can be treacherous for pedestrians. Between 2012 and 2021, over a dozen pedestrians in Snohomish County were killed on Evergreen and Highway 99, the name the road is known by in Edmonds and Lynnwood, state data show. Dozens more were seriously hurt.

“We encourage everyone to be cautious,” Duncan said, “especially on busy roadways.”

Deputy prosecutor Tobin Darrow has been the only attorney in Snohomish County prosecuting cases involving drivers hitting pedestrians in serious crashes. In January, he told The Daily Herald many of the crashes take place on Evergreen Way.

“Attempting to cross Evergreen, you have, typically, seven lanes you have to cross,” Darrow said. “You’ve got three in each direction plus the center turn lane. So, that’s a long way to go. And I have pedestrians that make it halfway or three-quarters and then get hit in that last lane they’re trying to get through.”

Officials have worked to improve the conditions there.

In 2011, Everett was awarded nearly $400,000 for pedestrian safety improvements on Evergreen from Airport Road to 112th Street, according to documents obtained by The Daily Herald. That since-completed work included installing missing sidewalks, curb ramps and safety patrols.

Everett Public Works leaders have said their top priority is improving conditions on the city’s roads for its most vulnerable users: pedestrians and bicyclists.

Jake Goldstein-Street: 425-339-3439; jake.goldstein-street@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @GoldsteinStreet.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.