Sterling J. Leonard and Cynthia T. Phillips Injured in Kittitas County, Washington Interstate 82 Crash on January 5, 2026

A single-vehicle crash along Interstate 82 in Kittitas County resulted in one fatality and left three others injured during the early morning hours of January 5, 2026. According to the Washington State Patrol, the collision occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m. near milepost 17 when a westbound Dodge 1500 pickup truck left the roadway and rolled over.

Sterling J. Leonard, 24, of Yakima, and Cynthia T. Phillips, 25, of Auburn, were among the passengers transported to MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital for treatment. A 21-year-old passenger from Wapato was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators indicated that speed too fast for road conditions contributed to the crash. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under review as the investigation continues.