A 17 year old died this morning after reportedly fleeing police and crashing near the Enumclaw/Black Diamond bridge.

According to the Black Diamond Police Department, an unnamed teenager was driving south on SR 169 at 80 miles per hour at around 7:08 a.m. The posted speed is 35 mph.

A traffic officer caught up with the vehicle because the driver had to slow down due to traffic. However, the vehicle would not pull over for a traffic stop, and it picked up speed again at Green Valley Road to pass cars “in a reckless manner.” The officer decided to not pursue.

According to Trooper Rick Johnson and a Washington State Patrol report, a short time later, Maple Valley teen hit a “soft shoulder” on the highway, about a half mile south of Green Valley Road, lost control, and hit a ditch. The driver was ejected from the car.

The man was pronounced dead on the scene when first responders arrived.

The road was closed for four hours.

Names of juveniles are not usually released to the public.