Crash Kills Susie Edler and Seriously Injures Former Mariner

Dave Edler, 70, and his wife Susie, 67, were trapped in their vehicle after it collided with a pickup truck at about 4:30 p.m. on November 8. Firefighters freed them, and both were taken to hospital. Susie was pronounced dead. Dave was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with two broken arms and facial injuries; a family fundraising page said he was sedated and receiving treatment on November 10.

The pickup’s driver, Trevor Allen Stockton, 26, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. A judge set bail at $75,000 when Stockton appeared in court on November 9. A prosecutor cited Stockton’s alleged reaction after being told about the Edlers’ injuries, saying he chuckled and responded “OK” when told the passenger had died.

Police said their preliminary investigation indicated Stockton may have been speeding. An affidavit described red, watery eyes, slurred speech and an odor of alcohol. Stockton declined voluntary sobriety tests, and police obtained a warrant for a blood sample. His cousin told officers she had seen him drinking that morning. Investigators also obtained a bar receipt showing nine drinks purchased for Stockton and his girlfriend.

Edler told police the pickup crossed into his lane; a witness said Stockton told him the Edlers’ vehicle was in his lane. The couple were longtime pastors at Yakima Foursquare Church. A fundraiser for Dave’s recovery and family expenses had raised more than $12,000 by Tuesday morning. Edler played third base for the Mariners from 1980 to 1983 and served as Yakima’s mayor from 2006 to 2010.