Leslie Karel Killed in Richland Pedestrian Crash Involving DUI Driver

On August 10, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Leslie Karel, a 66-year-old resident of Richland, Washington, originally from Yakima, was fatally struck by a vehicle in a northbound lane of George Washington Way near the Safeway shopping center. The Benton County Coroner’s Office confirmed Karel’s identity. The driver, a 40-year-old Richland man suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and booked into the Benton County jail.Authorities are conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident, with no additional details released regarding the specific circumstances or contributing factors.