Okanogan Collision: Ellen Simmermon Involved in Three-Vehicle Crash
On the morning of April 26, 2025, a serious three-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of State Route 20 and Old Highway 97 in Okanogan, Washington, resulting in injuries to two drivers. According to the Washington State Patrol, the incident took place at approximately 8:41 a.m. when Richard O. Funk, a 31-year-old Okanogan resident driving a 1997 Ford Taurus, failed to yield while turning left onto Old Highway 97. His vehicle was struck by an eastbound 2013 GMC Terrain driven by 77-year-old Ellen Y. Simmermon, also of Okanogan, causing the Terrain to roll onto its driver’s side. Subsequently, Funk’s Taurus collided with a 2002 Toyota pickup driven by 50-year-old Lance A. Manning of Malott, who was stationary at the intersection.
Emergency services responded promptly, transporting Simmermon to Mid Valley Hospital by ambulance, while Funk was taken to the same facility by family members for treatment of their respective injuries. Manning emerged from the incident unharmed. The Washington State Patrol noted that all drivers were wearing seatbelts, and neither drugs nor alcohol contributed to the crash. The intersection was fully obstructed following the collision, with both the Taurus and Terrain towed from the scene due to extensive damage.
