SUMMIT VIEW, Washington — On Sunday evening, a crowd gathered at Canyon Road East and 160th Street in Pierce County for a candlelight vigil.
Days earlier, a fatal fiery accident occurred at the Puyallup-area intersection when, according to authorities, a speeding car ignored a red light and collided with another car.
Both vehicles caught fire and both drivers were killed in the crash. A 911 caller said he believed the suspect vehicle was traveling at 130 mph before the collision.
RELATED: 2 drivers die in fiery, high-speed car crash in Pierce County
The victim was identified by the family as 21-year-old Elijah Williams, who authorities said was turning left when he was hit.
“The turning vehicle had a green light, the speeding vehicle had a red light,” said Sergeant Darren Moss of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. “There were no skid marks on the road, which tells us he did not hit the brakes at all.”
“He was an amazing child,” said Williams’ aunt, Tomieka Quinn. “Very gentle, loved everyone. He saw the good in everyone. He was thoughtful and kind.”
The crowd of about 200 people made it clear that his community liked him too.
Williams grew up in the area and “worked at the YMCA. He loved the YMCA. He worked there all the time and was so excited to get a job there,” Quinn said. “He played basketball on different teams, on college teams, and was planning on going back to school in the fall and taking some more courses.”
The vigil was also a call for change.
“No family should have to endure the pain we are experiencing,” Quinn said. “We are asking for everyone’s support to make this intersection in particular and all of Canyon Road safer. Together we can honor the memory of those we have lost by ensuring no more lives are prematurely ended.”
The road has a speed limit of 45 mph, but it is a straight stretch of road and if you spend a little time in the area you will notice that the speed limit is often ignored.
“Something has to be done,” Quinn said. “A woman told me earlier that she lost her daughter in an accident on Canyon Road a few months ago. Something has to be done. You’ve all seen people out here driving well over 45. Canyon Road has been called the ‘Canyon Raceway’ or ‘Canyon Speedway.’ This can’t go on.”
