Two Teens Die In Accident

Sun., Oct. 26, 1997

From Staff And Wire Reports

Two teenagers died and three other people were injured in a two-car accident on U.S. Highway 101 after the driver of one car swerved to avoid a tractor-trailer rig, the Washington State Patrol said.

Joseph Thomas Austin, 17, and Jesse Chartier, 15, both from Clallam County, were in the same car and died at the scene of the accident, investigating officers said.

A semi-tractor trailer was traveling westbound on the highway, about 10 miles east of Sequim, on Friday at 4:45 p.m. when it crossed over to the eastbound lane and into the path of Austin’s car, the patrol said.

Austin crossed over to the westbound lane and collided with Joel Michael Frick’s car, which was behind the truck, the patrol said.

Two other people in Austin’s car, Erin Schleve and Daniel Percaval, both 16, also of Clallam County, sustained internal injuries and were airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

They were listed in serious condition on Saturday, a nursing supervisor said.

Frick was treated and released with a sprained ankle.

Investigators were trying to locate the truck to determine the driver’s role in the accident. However, officers said the driver may not have been aware that an accident occurred.

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