USS Chicago sailor and St. Michael Medical Center RN killed in crash
A sailor assigned to the Los Angelesclass submarine USS Chicago and his wife, a registered nurse at St. Michael Medical Center, both who have been living in Bremerton, were killed in a fatal crash on Sept. 1 at the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Toll Plaza.
Around 2 p.m., a white 2008 Ford Explorer, driving eastbound on Highway 16 and approaching the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Toll Plaza, crossed two lanes of traffic and struck a black 2017 Chevrolet Sonic, which was driving the same direction toward the booth. The Chevrolet hit an guardrail and came to rest at one of the booths, while the Ford stopped after passing through the toll plaza, according to Washington State Patrol.
The driver and passenger of the Chevrolet, 33-year-old Jeremy Kirkmeyer and 30-year-old Torrey Kirkmeyer, were killed at the scene. The Ford’s 61-year-old driver from Lakewood and a 63-year-old passenger from Spanaway were injured and sent to Tacoma General Hospital, according to a press memo from WSP.
The roadway was blocked for over four hours due to the fatal incident, according to the agency.
The Navy confirmed that Jeremy Kirkmeyer was a fire control technician 2nd Class, assigned to the Los Angelesclass
submarine USS Chicago, in a statement from Submarine Group 9.
The 1986-commissioned fast attack sub and its crew members arrived in Bremerton in January. The boat is scheduled to be inactivated and decommissioned at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
The accident is under investigation and neither alcohol nor speed are believed to be factors, the Navy said.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health system confirmed Thursday evening that Torrey Kirkmeyer was a registered nurse at St. Michael Medical Center in a statement to the Kitsap Sun.
“St. Michael Medical Center is heartbroken over the loss of a beloved member of our team and her husband,” St. Michael Medical Center President Chad Melton said in a statement. “Torrey began her career with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health as a nursing resident at St. Joseph Medical Center, and joined St. Michael’s in 2020. She made a positive impact on countless patients and colleagues, including in her role as a trusted mentor for nursing students.”
“Our focus is supporting the family and our staff during this incredibly difficult time,” Melton said.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Sailor’s family, shipmates and all those impacted by the passing,” the Navy said in the statement. Chaplains and counselors are available to support sailors and family members in need.