79-Year-Old Man Killed in School Bus Crash on State Route 161 [Graham, WA]

Student Injured After School Bus Crash on State Route 161 in Graham

GRAHAM, WA (June 11, 2026) — A 79-year-old Graham man died, and one student was hospitalized Thursday afternoon after a crash on State Route 161 involving an SUV and an Eatonville School District bus near Eustis Hunt Road.

According to the Washington State Patrol, the collision happened around 4:30 p.m. near milepost 18 and involved a 2007 Ford Explorer and a school bus carrying Eatonville Middle School eighth-grade students.

Troopers said the Ford Explorer driver was traveling eastbound from the Frontier Park exit toward northbound SR 161 when the collision occurred. 

The school bus was traveling southbound on SR 161 near Eustis Hunt Road when it struck the Ford Explorer.

The 79-year-old Ford driver died at the scene.

WSP said the bus driver was injured but was not transported to a hospital.

One juvenile passenger was transported to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. 

Central Pierce Fire & Rescue said the students were evaluated at the scene. WSP reported that all other juvenile passengers were uninjured.

The Eatonville School District said about 40 students were on the bus at the time. The district confirmed that the bus was transporting eighth-grade students back to Eatonville after a field trip. 

Officials said all students were later reunited with their families, and counseling support would be available for students who needed help processing the crash.

Both directions of SR 161 were blocked for about six hours while crews investigated and cleared the scene.

Troopers said drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been factors.

The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the fatal crash.

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Sweet Lawyers extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of the deceased. May the bereaved find solace and strength in this extremely trying time.

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Compassionate Legal Support After a Fatal School Bus Crash

A fatal crash involving a school bus is deeply traumatic for everyone affected.

Families may be grieving the loss of a loved one while students, parents, school staff, and first responders process the fear and emotional impact of the collision.

When a crash involves a passenger vehicle and a bus carrying children, investigators must carefully examine every detail to understand what happened and whether the tragedy could have been prevented.

At Sweet Lawyers, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the 79-year-old Graham man who died in this SR 161 crash.

We also recognize the concern and distress felt by the injured student, the bus driver, the students aboard the bus, their families, and the Eatonville school community.

No legal action can replace a life lost, but a wrongful death claim may help surviving family members seek accountability and financial support for funeral expenses, medical costs, loss of companionship, lost income, emotional suffering, and other damages allowed under the law.

Fatal school bus crashes require a detailed investigation. Important evidence may include the Washington State Patrol report, school district records, bus driver statements, student and witness accounts, vehicle damage, roadway markings, traffic control devices, intersection layout, surveillance footage, dash camera or bus camera video, medical records, and crash reconstruction findings.

Investigators may also review speed, right of way, visibility, roadway conditions, bus maintenance, driver training, and whether any outside factor contributed to the collision.

Sweet Lawyers helps grieving families navigate wrongful death claims with compassion, professionalism, and respect.

Our team can review available evidence, communicate with insurance companies and responsible parties, and explain legal options clearly so families do not have to face the process alone.

If your family lost a loved one in a bus crash, school vehicle collision, or fatal traffic accident, contact Sweet Lawyers for a free consultation.

Sweet Lawyers stands with grieving families and injured victims as they seek answers, accountability, and healing.