University Place man killed in suspected DUI car crash ID’ed by medical examiner
A 21-year-old University Place man who died earlier this month when the driver of the car he was in wrecked at high speed in a suspected drunk-driving crash has been identified by the medical examiner.
Joshua Gyer died May 7 of blunt head and torso trauma, the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office said in a news release issued Monday. Sheriff’s Department officials said Gyer was a passenger in a car traveling north near the 3100 block of Bridgeport Way West early that morning when the driver lost control and swerved off the roadway.
West Pierce Fire & Rescue and the Sheriff’s Department responded at about 2:50 a.m. and transported the passenger and driver, a 20-year-old man, to a hospital. Deputies said the 2015 Nissan Z was crushed in the wreck. Gyer was pronounced dead, and the driver was reportedly severely injured.
Deputies previously said they suspected speed and alcohol were factors in the crash. The driver’s blood was reportedly drawn for toxicology testing. A spokesperson from the Sheriff’s Department wasn’t immediately available Wednesday morning to provide an update on the investigation.
Gyer grew up in University Place and graduated from Curtis Senior High School in 2020, according to an obituary. He was married in August to a woman described as his high school sweetheart and best friend. Gyer had a love for Puget Sound, according to the obit, and he worked for several years at Narrows Marina.
“Josh’s goofiness was infectious and he could always make everyone laugh,” the obituary states. “His quiet servant heart was felt by all, but especially those who looked up to him. We can only imagine the incredible husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and friend he would become if given more time.”
This story was originally published May 17, 2023 at 12:16 PM.
