Cordelia Chen-Gilchrist Dies in Horrific Rear-End Crash on SR 509

DUI Suspect Arrested After Fatal Crash in Burien

Burien, WA (February 25, 2025) – 53-year-old Cordelia Chen-Gilchrist died late Saturday evening after a shocking rear-end crash on SR 509.

According to police, the disastrous crash happened near the Burien-Seattle border.

Reports say that a suspected drunk driver with a history of DUI arrests caused the fatal crash.

Authorities say that the 26-year-old suspect rear-ended a Toyota 4Runner with his Jeep Grand Cherokee in the northbound lanes, forcing the Toyota into a tree.

The crash killed Chen-Gilchrist and injured her husband.

Police arrested the suspect at the scene for driving under the influence. Court records show he had two outstanding DUI warrants and was required to have an ignition interlock device, which was not installed in his vehicle.

Before the crash, a King County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop the suspect near South 128th Street and SR 509. The driver sped off, and minutes later, the deputy discovered the crash. Police found the suspect walking away from the scene and determined he was intoxicated.

Inside the Jeep, officers recovered a bottle of beer, a handgun, and suspected cocaine. Witnesses reported the suspect had been drinking and using cocaine before the crash.

A judge set bail at $750,000, and the suspect remains in King County Jail on multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, DUI, and hit-and-run involving death.

Sweet Lawyers extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cordelia Chen-Gilchrist. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

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