Martin Matias and Denilso Lopez Killed After Tire Crashes into Van on 5 Freeway [Lakewood, WA]

Denilso Lopez, Martin Matias Die in Lakewood Accident on 5 Freeway

 
LAKEWOOD, WA (October 10, 2023) — Two men identified as 55-year-old Martin Mendoza Matias and 18-year-old Denilso Tomas Lopez died in a traffic crash on Thursday, September 21.
 
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the accident happened at around 5:37 a.m.
 
Trooper John Dattilo said a 15-passenger van occupied by eight people from Sheldon moved northbound on the 5 Freeway near the Bridgeport Way Southwest exit. Then a tire flew through the windshield. Dattilo said investigators have not yet determined where the tire was from.
 
The tire hit several passengers in the van.
 
First responders pronounced Matias and Lopez dead at the scene. They both sat in the second and fourth row of the van, respectively. Reports said they were the youngest and oldest occupants of the van.
 
Paramedics transported another passenger to a local hospital. As of Thursday morning, the injured passenger was in stable condition. The rest of the people in the van were not hurt, including the driver.
 
The incident snarled traffic and caused it to back up past DuPont during the on-scene investigation.

Our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Martin Matias and Denilso Lopez.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we aim to fight for all wrongful death victims. We believe their families should receive the rightful compensation for their pain and suffering. While your family focuses on healing and recovery, we will handle the rest. You pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today at 800-544-2696. Let us guide you. If you are a family member of the victims involved in this accident, we can help you request a police report.