Backhoe Driver Pinned, Killed

Tue., Oct. 29, 1996

Associated Press

A 50-year-old Vashon man was killed when the backhoe he was driving rolled over and pinned him, King County police said.

The county medical examiner’s office identified the victim as Terry Lee Richards.

Police gave this account:

Richards was driving his neighbor’s backhoe southbound on 87th Street Southwest shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday when he lost control and the backhoe began to swerve.

Police officer Bill Erdt was northbound on the same road when he saw the backhoe coming toward him. He swerved out of way and the backhoe made its final turn, striking an embankment and rolling onto its side, pinning the driver.

Richards was extricated within 20 minutes but was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers were investigating whether alcohol was a factor in the accident, police said.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.