Couple in their 80s die after driving into water off Pierce County island, deputies say
A couple died on May 25 after the husband drove their car off of Herron Island and into the water.
Deputies were dispatched at 11:55 a.m. to the 900 block of West Herron Boulevard Northwest after people reported a vehicle drove off a driveway and into the water. The driver was a man who lived in the area and had dementia, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson deputy Carly Cappetto told The News Tribune via email.
Herron Island lies in the southern part of the Puget Sound, about three miles west of Lakebay.
The vehicle was about 200 feet from the shore and the depth was 18 feet, Cappetto said. Two people tried to jump into the water to save the couple, but were unable to before the vehicle sank.
“The Pierce County Dive Team, West Pierce Fire, The Coast Guard and Tacoma PD assisted in the water rescue,” she said.
The wife, 85, and husband, 84, were pronounced dead at the scene after the vehicle was taken out of the water and taken to the ferry landing.
Cappetto said it is unknown if the man did not know where he was going or possibly did not know the gas pedal from the brake.
This story was originally published May 27, 2025 at 11:05 AM.
