Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting Killed on State Route 509 Near Tacoma, Washington on December 19, 2025

Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, 29, of the Washington State Patrol, was killed in the line of duty on the evening of December 19, 2025, while investigating a two-vehicle crash on State Route 509 south of the Port of Tacoma. Shortly before 7:30 p.m., Trooper Guting was standing outside her patrol vehicle in the southbound lanes near milepost 2 when she was struck by a passing vehicle. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by bystanders, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Trooper Guting had served with the Washington State Patrol for just over one year and was assigned to District 1. A military veteran of the Army National Guard, she was recognized for her commitment to public service both in uniform and in law enforcement. The driver involved remained at the scene and was not cited. Trooper Guting is survived by her husband, leaving behind a career and life cut short while performing her duties on Washington roadways.