Vehicular homicide charge urged in death of cyclist

EVERETT — Detectives are recommending the driver who struck and killed a bicyclist in south Everett in October be charged with vehicular homicide.

The Oct. 17 crash along Evergreen Way just south of SW Everett Mall Way took the life of Trent Graham, 30.

Graham was a local cycling enthusiast, artist and father.

He was struck by a pickup driven by a Kirkland man, 56.

Detectives initially suspected the driver was texting before the crash, but forensic tests on the man’s cellphone did not provide conclusive evidence, court papers show.

Investigators did not suspect drugs and alcohol as causes of the crash. A mechanical inspection of the truck was scheduled for earlier this year.

The finished investigation was forwarded to Snohomish County prosecutors on Tuesday morning, Everett police spokesman Aaron Snell said.

Prosecutors will decide whether the crash was a potential crime. Police on Tuesday weren’t discussing what evidence has led them to believe the crash was a possible vehicular homicide. The crime occurs when a death is caused by somebody driving recklessly or with disregard for others’ safety. It is most commonly charged in drunken driving fatalities.

Graham was on his way home from work at Gregg’s Cycles in Alderwood at the time of crash.

This is a developing story.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com

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