Ricky Eldon Ballard; 66-year-old man identified as victim in fatal fiery multi-vehicle crash Friday night.
Ricky Eldon Ballard – On Monday, January 13, 2025, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified 66-year-old Ricky Eldon Ballard as the victim of a fatal multi-vehicle collision. Ballard died from multiple blunt force injuries sustained during the crash.
The incident took place at approximately 8:01 p.m. on Kent Kangley Road, in the 12400 block, which led to a flurry of 911 calls. In response, Kent Police, Puget Sound Firefighters, and Medics were quickly dispatched to the scene.
Witnesses acted swiftly, pulling the unresponsive driver from his burning blue Ford Mustang and initiating lifesaving measures, including the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), before emergency crews arrived. Despite these efforts, Ballard, who was later determined to be at fault for the accident, was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the preliminary investigation, Ballard’s Mustang was traveling eastbound on Kent Kangley Road when it veered into the westbound lanes near 124th Avenue Southeast. The vehicle struck a curb and then collided with two other vehicles. The driver of one of the westbound vehicles suffered minor injuries and was treated on-site, while the occupants of the second vehicle escaped unharmed.
The Kent Police Traffic Unit is now spearheading the investigation, collecting evidence and witness statements to ascertain the cause of the crash. Early findings suggest that alcohol may have played a role in the accident.
Authorities have not released the name of the deceased driver, pending further investigation.
