Alcohol linked to car-pedestrian fatality in Forks

FORKS — A 20-year-old woman walking along a dark and possibly foggy Forks road just outside the city limit was struck by a car and killed early Sunday.

And because Clallam County investigators believe the driver had been drinking, he was jailed Sunday for investigation of vehicular homicide.

Mary Cram, 20, who was raised in Forks and had moved to Port Angeles, was walking along East Division Street when she was struck by a car driven by Travis Germeaux, 29, of Forks, Undersheriff Ron Peregrin said.

Germeaux and his passenger, brother Matt Germeaux, 24, took her to Forks Community Hospital.

Cram was pronounced dead while being flown to Port Angeles about 6:15 a.m., Peregrin said.

Because it appeared that Travis Germeaux had been drinking, Peregrin said he was booked into the Clallam County jail in Port Angeles about 7 p.m.

No bail was set.

“The causes of this at this point appear to be speed and alcohol,” Peregrin said.

“There also was the possibility of heavy ground fog at that time of the morning.

“Also that portion of East Division is a small two-lane road with no centerline or anything like that.”

A person can be charged with vehicular homicide if a person dies as a result of a collision and the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving in a reckless manner or driving “with disregard for the safety of others,” state law says.

Peregrin quoted Travis Germeaux as saying hitting Cram with the car was an accident.

Forks police first responded to the call at about 2:30 a.m., Peregrin said.

But because the wreck was in unincorporated territory outside the city limit, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office took charge of the investigation.

Cram was reportedly Matt Germeaux’s girlfriend, according to Forks residents. Peregrin could not immediately confirm the connection.

“He was just a passenger in this case,” Peregrin said.

“We haven’t yet confirmed it, but we have heard that they were on their way to pick her up when the vehicle struck her.”

__________

Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Holly Hildreth of Port Townsend, center, orders a latte for the last time at the Guardhouse, a cafe at Fort Worden State Park, on Wednesday. At noon the popular cafe was to close permanently, leaving an empty space for food, drinks and restroom facilities in the park. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Fort Worden Hospitality closes business operations

Organization faced with ‘legal limbo’ because lease was rejected

Clallam fire districts providing automatic support

Mutual aid helps address personnel holes

Port Angeles school board to meet with hiring agency

The Port Angeles School District board of directors will… Continue reading

Clallam County to host meeting to develop animal disaster plan

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office’s Emergency Management division will… Continue reading

The Western Harbor Study Area includes Port Angeles Harbor, the Port of Port Angeles and Ediz Hook. (State Department of Ecology)
Comment period to open on Port Angeles Harbor cleanup

The state Department of Ecology will open a public… Continue reading

C.J. Conrad and Chris Orr of A&R Solar take solar panels from a lift on top of the Port Angeles Senior and Community Center on Peabody Street to be installed on the roof. The 117 panels are mostly made of silicone and will provide electrical power to the center. The crew members are each tied in with ropes to prevent any problems on the slippery slanted roof. The panels are 42 inches by 62 inches and weigh about 16 pounds. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Solar installation

C.J. Conrad and Chris Orr of A&R Solar take solar panels from… Continue reading

Port Townsend Food Co-op board president resigns

Rowe cites unresolved tensions, calls for change

Recompete projects aim to close gap for workers in prime age

Goals include reducing barriers, creating up to 1,300 jobs

Carrie Heaton.
Governor appoints Heaton to PC trustees

Five-member board governs college’s policy, strategic planning

Finalists named for Port Angeles community awards

The Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce will announce the… Continue reading

Fort Worden Hospitality ceasing operations

No longer viable amid PDA financial and legal challenges