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The Today File

Your guide to the latest news from around the Northwest

March 17, 2013 at 10:52 PM

Boy dies of injuries in crash with uncle

A 9-year-old boy died Sunday night from injuries after he was ejected from a speeding car driven by his uncle, who the Washington State Patrol said was legally intoxicated and under the influence of marijuana.

The boy, Donovan Best, had been on life support since the early Saturday morning crash on westbound Highway 16. Family members agreed to remove life support after the boy’s brain had shut down with no hope of recovery at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center in Tacoma.

State troopers reported that Donovan was riding with his 7-year-old sister and their 26-year-old uncle, of Gig Harbor. The Patrol said the uncle was speeding when the car rolled over. Donovan and his uncle were tossed from the car.

Donovan was in the front seat with just a shoulder belt. His sister was in the back seat with both a shoulder and lap belt. She suffered minor injuries.

Troopers said that the driver’s blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit and reported that he had smoked marijuana before the accident.

The driver was initially arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault, but the Patrol expects charges will be upgraded to vehicular homicide.

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The Today File is a general news blog featuring real-time coverage of Seattle and the Northwest. It is reported by the news staff of The Seattle Times and edited by Assistant Metro Editor Nick Provenza.

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