Motorcycle Crash in Kennewick Claims Life of 69-Year-Old Rider
KENNEWICK, WA — A motorcycle accident on West Columbia Drive claimed the life of Donald “Garth” Rettinghouse, 69, on Sunday evening at approximately 8 p.m.
According to authorities, a Nissan Pathfinder driven by 19-year-old Valeria Benitez-Hernandez allegedly struck the motorcycle after Rettinghouse entered the intersection from North Jean Street. He died at the scene, while one of Benitez-Hernandez’s passengers was transported to a local hospital with unspecified injuries.
Witnesses reported that the SUV continued traveling approximately 600 feet after the collision before coming to a stop. Court documents indicate that Benitez-Hernandez claimed to have been traveling at 25 mph prior to the impact. However, a Kennewick police officer noted that the extent of damage to the Pathfinder and Rettinghouse’s injuries contradicted her speed estimate.
Authorities reported that Benitez-Hernandez showed signs of impairment, and a blood sample was taken after she declined to participate in other sobriety tests. She is currently being held in the Benton County Jail with a bail set at $200,000, facing charges of vehicular homicide.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further details regarding lane closures or tows have been released at this time.