Karen Miller Killed in Horrific Crash on Perry Road

78-Year-Old John Francis Bligh Arrested After Fatal Hit-and-Run in North Spokane

Spokane, WA (September 4, 2026) — Authorities arrested 78-year-old John Francis Bligh after investigators said he struck and killed pedestrian Karen Miller in North Spokane and left the scene Tuesday.

The crash happened as 73-year-old Miller crossed Perry Road from west to east. Investigators said surveillance footage showed Bligh’s Ford Ranger traveling about 50 mph in a 25-mph zone before he braked, swerved, and struck Miller.

Miller suffered critical injuries and later died at a hospital. Investigators found damage to Bligh’s truck, including a missing side mirror, when deputies stopped him later that evening.

Authorities also said Bligh showed signs of impairment. He reportedly failed three field sobriety tests and recorded a 0.065% blood alcohol concentration on a breath test. Investigators also determined that he had consumed alcohol before the crash.

Bligh faces charges of vehicular homicide, hit-and-run resulting in death, and reckless driving. His bail was set at $150,000, and he is scheduled to enter a plea on September 9.

Sweet Lawyers extends its heartfelt condolences to Karen Miller’s family and loved ones. We hope they find strength and comfort during this difficult time.

You’re Not Alone in This

It’s scary to think about how quickly life can change. Traffic accidents can happen anytime — on the way to work, picking up the kids, even just running to the store. According to the NHTSA, speeding alone caused nearly 12,000 deaths in 2023. That’s thousands of families who never got to say goodbye.

We don’t think about it much, but every time we get on the road, there’s a risk. And when something tragic happens, when someone you love doesn’t make it home, it’s completely devastating.

Losing someone you love in a sudden accident changes everything. One moment life feels normal, and the next, you’re left trying to make sense of something that feels impossible. The heartbreak, the shock, the questions. It is a ride on a roller coaster of emotions and doubt. And on top of the emotional pain comes unexpected burdens: hospital bills, funeral costs, and the loss of the love and support your family depended on.

You feel shattered. You hope everything is just a dream and gone when you wake up.

If you’re in this situation, please know you don’t have to go through it alone. There are options, and there are people who want to help. Find justice, and make sure your family is cared for.

Filing a wrongful death claim is a great step that you can take in this case. Keep in mind that it isn’t about putting a price on your departed loved one’s life; it’s more about finding justice for your loved one and easing some of the financial strain that came following the devastating accident.

A wrongful death claim can help cover:

Funeral and burial expenses
Medical costs from your loved one’s final care
Lost income and future financial support
The emotional pain and loss of companionship your family is facing

It’s also a way to hold the responsible party accountable, especially when a negligent driver caused the collision. It is important to know that taking this step can make a huge difference, not just for your family, but also to help prevent other families from going through the same heartbreak.

No legal process can ever fill the space your loved one left behind, but finding justice can bring a sense of peace and closure. It’s one way to honor their life and memory.

Contact Sweet Lawyers @ (800) 674-7852 if you’ve lost a loved one in an accident. Our wrongful death attorneys have spent decades helping families find answers, justice, and financial support when they needed it most.