Two Local Men Die in Head-On Collision on SR 167

Two men died Monday afternoon in a two car, head-on collision on River Road at 31st Ave. E., according to the Washington State Patrol.

Jerry J. Neal, a 28 year-old Bonney Lake resident, was traveling southbound at 4 p.m. when he crossed over the center turn lane and into the northbound lane. He struck Gregory Stevens, a 30 year-old Puyallup driver, head on.

Both men were pronounced dead on the scene.

WSP is still investigating the cause of this accident. It is not clear if drugs and alcohol were a factor.

The accident occurred at the beginning of rush hour and backed up both northbound lanes. Traffic had to be diverted into the southbound lane while crews cleared the roadway. River Road wasn’t fully reopen again until 6:30 p.m. yesterday evening.