A Kennewick business owner was killed Wednesday evening after his car collided with a semi truck at the intersection of Fort Road and Teo Road near Toppenish, Washington. Authorities say the man was driving west on Fort Road when he turned left in front of the oncoming semi truck, and the impact sent both vehicles skidding into a nearby casino parking lot. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Yakima County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate what led to the crash.
According to the Tri-City Herald, the victim was identified as Robert W. LaLonde, 49, of Kennewick, an owner of 360 Automotive & Repair with locations in Kennewick, Richland and West Richland. The outlet reported that LaLonde had spent more than a decade working as a mechanic before opening his first shop in 2015. The Yakima Herald-Republic reported that Yakima County Coroner Marshall Slight confirmed LaLonde died of blunt force trauma, and that deputies have not released further findings while the crash remains under investigation. No injuries to the semi truck’s driver were reported.
