74-year-old Seattle RV driver allegedly kills pedestrian after drinking 6 beers
Jul 28, 2025, 12:21 PM

King County deputies and detectives arrested the suspect at the scene and booked him into the King County Jail on investigation of Vehicular Homicide. (Photo courtesy of the King County Sheriff's Office)
(Photo courtesy of the King County Sheriff's Office)
The Silverado then hit a parked Jeep before the man allegedly reversed the motorhome and continued down the street, hitting at least two more vehicles before fleeing the scene.
Detectives said surveillance video and witness statements helped identify the driver. His wife told deputies she believed her husband was involved and likely intoxicated. She added that he had recently purchased the RV days earlier.聽
One day later, on July 25, police found the RV near a truck stop in North Bend and arrested Hayes. Police said the man admitted to drinking six 16-ounce beers before the fatal crash and claimed he didn鈥檛 remember the collision. The man told officers that he was unaware anyone had died; when he was informed, he reportedly broke down in tears.
Driver could face felony charges for death of pedestrian聽
The man appeared in court Saturday afternoon for a first appearance hearing. While probable cause was established, prosecutors emphasized that a felony charging decision requires a higher burden of proof. He is being held on $250,000 bail.
Witnesses said they saw the man shortly before the crash at a nearby Grocery Outlet, where he fell inside his RV and asked an employee for help. That employee, identified as Cedric, said the man requested more beer and then moved the RV across the street. Security camera footage confirmed this timeline, according to officials.聽
Distinctive blue and purple fiberglass debris discovered at multiple crash sites matched damage on the RV. The man remains in custody as prosecutors prepare to review the case for potential charges. The King County Sheriff鈥檚 Office is expected to submit the formal case referral by Wednesday.