A 63-year-old man died Monday evening after being struck by a vehicle while running across Aurora Avenue North near Woodland Park Zoo, according to the Seattle Police Department.
The fatal collision occurred around 7 p.m. in the 5900 block of Aurora Avenue North, prompting authorities to close both directions of traffic. All lanes reopened shortly before 10 p.m. following the initial investigation.
Police identified the driver as a 27-year-old woman who showed no signs of impairment and is cooperating with investigators. The victim was struck while running across the street, according to officials.
The Seattle Police Department’s Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. The cause remains under investigation.
Aurora Avenue North has a history of pedestrian safety concerns due to high traffic speeds and limited crosswalk infrastructure in certain stretches. The corridor serves as a major arterial route through North Seattle, connecting downtown to communities including Greenwood, Shoreline, and beyond.
The fatal collision occurred near the Woodland Park Zoo entrance area, where pedestrian and vehicle traffic frequently intersect during evening hours. The location presents challenges for pedestrians attempting to cross the multi-lane roadway.
Seattle has implemented various safety measures along Aurora Avenue in recent years, including speed limit reductions and enhanced crosswalks, though sections of the corridor continue experiencing serious and fatal collisions.
The victim’s identity has not been released pending family notification, following standard protocol in fatal traffic incidents.
Investigators will examine factors including vehicle speed, pedestrian positioning, lighting conditions, and visibility to determine contributing factors in the collision.
