Anacortes woman dies in Friday morning accident on Whidbey | Update

A 26-year-old Anacortes woman died early Friday morning as a result of an auto accident on Highway 20 south of the intersection with Arnold Road on Central Whidbey.

A 26-year-old Anacortes woman died early Friday morning as a result of an auto accident on Highway 20 south of the intersection with Arnold Road on Central Whidbey.

The woman, identified as Alexis Gilman, was driving a green Volkswagen Cabriolet when she collided with a Chevrolet pickup driven by 52-year-old Coupeville resident Dean Tucker, according to the Washington State Patrol. The accident took place at approximately 5:30 a.m.

At the scene, Trooper Scott Wernecke said it appears the southbound Cabriolet crossed the centerline and the pickup truck struck it on the passenger side. The Cabriolet came to rest just off the highway with one wheel dangling off the ground.

Trooper Keith Leary, a spokesman for the state patrol, said possible causes include fog, a wet road and speed too fast for conditions. He noted that the accident occurred at a bend in the road. Alcohol and drugs were not considered a factor in the crash.

Wernecke said Tucker was transported to Whidbey General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries that included a head laceration. Tucker was in stable condition and was scheduled to be released Friday.

The accident closed Highway 20 in the San de Fuca area and traffic was detoured at Arnold and Zylstra roads.

Friday’s incident marks the sixth person this year to die in on Whidbey Island roads. Most recently, three people were killed Sept. 3 in a crash that took place on Highway 20 near the intersection of Monkey Hill Road on North Whidbey Island.