Written by The Seattle Times ran a story this morning about the death of a beloved Renton man from a hit-and-run accident last week.
We need for the driver of the SUV to turn themself in, and give his/her account of what happened. The truth will eventually emerge in situations like this, and there is no statute of limitations on the taking of a life, even accidentally, in our state anymore. Meanwhile, if anyone else has information about this accident on Talbot Road South, please contact the Police at the numbers given below.
And everyone needs to remember to slow down, and concentrate while driving. Keep an eye out for motorcycles and other two-wheelers in particular, as their numbers are growing fast due to high fuel prices.
The loss of Mr. Dougan to his family, friends and our community is immeasurable. Here is the Seattle Times story from this morning:
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Renton man dies from injuries suffered in hit-and-run accident
Daren Dougan, a Renton man who was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident last week, died Wednesday evening at Harborview Medical Center.
By Christine Clarridge, Seattle Times staff reporter
Daren Dougan, 40, was hit by an SUV while riding his motorcycle June 26.
A Renton man who was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident last week died Wednesday evening at Harborview Medical Center.
Renton police are asking for help from anyone who knows of a light-colored sport-utility vehicle with recent damage to the passenger side or who might have witnessed the June 26 accident that occurred about 11 p.m. on Talbot Road South near South 45th Place.
Police and family members said the driver of the SUV left the scene after turning abruptly in front of a Harley-Davidson ridden by 40-year-old Daren Dougan, of Renton. Police said Dougan was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident.
Dougan’s family members said he was taken off life support when physicians determined he was brain-dead. All of his organs, except his liver, which was catastrophically damaged in the accident, were harvested for donation, according to Dougan’s stepmother, Guen Cornutt, of Salem, Ore.
Dougan was a music lover who sang, played guitar and the harmonica and “had a wit you wouldn’t believe,” Cornutt said. He was a devoted brother of three, an uncle of four and a steady worker, managing a Renton-area furniture store for more than 15 years.
“He was the nicest guy,” she said. “He would literally give you the shirt off his back.”
“We’re just hoping that if people know what a wonderful man he was, they’ll take a little more time to look harder at the cars around them” in the search for the hit-and-run driver, Cornutt said.
Anyone with information on the accident is asked to call the Renton Police Department, 425-430-7500 .
Christine Clarridge: 206-464-8983 or cclarridge@seattletimes.com
Daren was a responsible rider
I am Daren’s sister. I appreciate the info on this tragedy. Our family is still suffereing, however, we will not give up! The comment that Rentonben left is very frustrating. Daren ABSOLUTELY rode responsibily. Unfortunately, the person that hit him did not drive responsibly. I feel that if Daren had been in a car he still could have gone, it was his time. I get really mad when people want to blame the victim because he was on a motorcycle. The car, pick-up and SUV drivers on the road have a duty to pay attention to the bikers they share the roads with. Daren was a very responsible person and the person that hit him was grossly negligent.
Re: Daren was a responsible rider
Sorry to have caused you distress….
My point was, that no matter how good of a driver one is – one will get killed on a motorcycle eventually.
I have a family, and because of all the idiot drivers out there, I choose to *NEVER* ride a motorcycle or bicycle in the road for any significant amount of time.
The risk vs. reward is not worth it to me. I have a family to support, and I can have the ‘freedom of the road’ when they’re all grown up.
Let me reiterate – It wasn’t Daren’s fault. I’ve taken to reminding myself when checking my blind-spot to look for cycles.
If it means anything to you, I have been looking out for the vehicle in question on my walks around town.