LOCAL NEWS
22-year-old victim identified in fatal Ship Canal Bridge collision
May 24, 2022, 6:12 AM | Updated: May 25, 2022, 12:44 pm

A look at the crash scene. Concern that one of the drivers went off the bridge. Search is underway in the water below (WSDOT)
(WSDOT)
4:13pm update:
The deadly crash on southbound I-5 in Seattle’s University District this morning killed 22-year-old Jordan Shelley of Seattle. He was standing outside a disabled car on the right shoulder when a suspected drunk driver rammed the vehicle, pushing Shelley over a bridge railing and into the Ship Canal.
The deadly crash on southbound I-5 in Seattle’s University District this morning killed 22-year-old Jordan Shelley of Seattle. He was standing outside a disabled car when a suspected drunk driver rammed the vehicle, pushing Shelly over a bridge railing and into the Ship Canal.
— KIRO Newsdesk (@KIRONewsdesk) May 24, 2022
Noon update:
One of the drivers involved in a Tuesday morning crash on the Ship Canal Bridge that left one dead is under investigation for DUI and vehicular homicide, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The deceased stalled out on I-5 when a second vehicle approached from behind, striking the victim. The momentum of the crash vaulted the victim over the railing and into the water.
The flipped-car collision resulted in a nearly four-hour block on SB I-5 over the Ship Canal Bridge.
Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the incident. A state patrol investigation remains underway.
9:00 a.m. update:
Seattle Police Department divers have recovered a body believed to be the crash victim, although SPD has not confirmed their identity. The other driver, suspected of a DUI, was transported to Harborview Medical Center.
BREAKING: @SeattlePD water crews have just recovered the body of the second driver in this morning’s Ship Canal Bridge crash. @KIRONewsradio @Mynorthwest @KIRONewsdesk pic.twitter.com/V3MilwtT8m
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) May 24, 2022
In locating the victim, Seattle Fire says the water rescue team searched the water, docks, and surrounding area for about an hour and previously came up empty.
8:00 a.m. update:
All lanes of SB I-5 over the Ship Canal Bridge have reopened.
All lanes of SB 5 are reopening. pic.twitter.com/XNNj2DXxz2
— KIRO Newsradio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) May 24, 2022
Circa 5:45 a.m.:
All lanes of SB I-5 through the Ship Canal Bridge are indefinitely closed Tuesday morning.
Heads up: Please plan to avoid I-5 if at all possible at this time. There is no estimate for when this incident will clear. Expect heavy traffic on other routes like SR 99 and I-405. Follow @wsdot_traffic & @wspd2pio for updates. https://t.co/h0aHmNNMIu
— Washington State DOT (@wsdot) May 24, 2022
Two cars have rolled over on the Ship Canal Bridge. One driver remains missing with a search underway in Lake Union below. Seattle Fire rescue swimmers have been unsuccessful in locating the missing driver. The other driver was found on the scene and has been arrested on suspicion of a DUI, according to a spokesperson with the Washington State Patrol.
Southbound traffic has been diverted to NE 45th St. Northbound I-5 traffic remains free moving. The Washington State Department of Transportation recommends avoiding I-5 “if at all possible,” noting overflow traffic will congest SR 99 and I-405.
Looks like @wastatepatrol is letting people reverse access the express lanes at Ravenna on ramp or to 50th. pic.twitter.com/YZzLnVUQaP
— KIRO Newsradio Traffic (@KIROTraffic) May 24, 2022
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.