The woman who was found dead in her car after leaving the Sumner-Buckley Highway and crashing right outside the city of Buckley has been identified as Chelsea Ulrich.
The Tacoma News Tribune first reported the identity of the 30-year-old woman.
East Pierce Fire and Rescue received an Aug. 10 call around 8 a.m. regarding a vehicle fire; by the time first responders arrived, the inside of the car and the engine compartment were “fully involved,” said Assistant Chief Kevin Stabenfeldt, though the fire was only contained to the car.
According to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s office, Ulrich died of smoke inhalation and injuries sustained by the fire, and the death has been ruled an accident.
It remains unclear what caused Ulrich to leave the road, though her car was found 75 feet away from the highway.