Auburn, Washington (December 11, 2025) — Authorities have identified Robert B. Pearson, 29, of Bonney Lake, as the man killed Thursday morning in a violent three-vehicle collision on State Route 167 just south of State Route 18. The Washington State Patrol confirmed Pearson died at the scene after his car was crushed between two commercial trucks during the morning commute.
Incident Details: The crash was reported at approximately 7:14 a.m. in the northbound lanes of SR-167. According to troopers, three vehicles were traveling in the left lane when traffic ahead slowed, and two vehicles came to a stop. A 2020 Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck, driven by Kamalpreet Singh, 25, of Elk Grove, California, failed to slow in time and struck the rear of a blue 2010 Mazda 3 driven by Pearson.
The force of the impact caused the Freightliner to override the Mazda and push it underneath the rear of a white 2016 Peterbilt truck that had stopped ahead. The Mazda’s engine compartment caught fire, though first responders quickly extinguished flames. Pearson was pronounced dead at the scene. Singh and the Peterbilt driver were not injured, and all drivers were reported to be wearing seat belts.
Investigation: The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the sequence of events leading up to the collision. Investigators are analyzing braking distances, vehicle spacing, and traffic flow conditions at the time of the crash to determine how long the Freightliner had to react once traffic slowed.
In rear-end crashes involving commercial trucks, reconstruction teams closely examine event data recorders to review speed, throttle position, and braking inputs in the moments leading up to impact. They will also assess the Freightliner’s stopping capability, driver attentiveness, and whether the following distance was appropriate for traffic conditions.
Because the Mazda was crushed between two large trucks, investigators will also evaluate underride dynamics, impact angles, and whether the configuration of the vehicles contributed to the severity of the outcome. Although drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors, toxicology testing and a full mechanical inspection remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Legal Considerations: State troopers have indicated that Singh faces a charge of vehicular homicide, reflecting the seriousness of failing to slow for stopped traffic when operating a commercial vehicle. Commercial drivers are held to a heightened standard of care due to the size, weight, and stopping distance of their trucks. When a semi-truck fails to maintain a safe following distance and causes a fatal chain-reaction crash, both criminal charges and civil liability may follow.
For the Pearson family, the loss of Robert is devastating. His loved ones are now left to grieve a future that will never unfold. A wrongful death claim may allow Pearson’s family to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the profound emotional loss of a son and family member. While no legal process can undo the tragedy, accountability can help families find answers and stability in the aftermath.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Robert B. Pearson as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.
Source: Auburn Examiner