One Dead, Two Airlifted After Head-On Crash on Highway 101 Near Sequim

Authorities say a pickup crossed the center line, leading to a fatal collision.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A head-on crash on Highway 101 east of Sequim, Washington has left one person dead and two others airlifted to Seattle-area hospitals. The Washington State Patrol says a westbound pickup truck crossed the center line and struck an eastbound Toyota FJ, with both vehicles ending up in opposite ditches. The driver of the pickup, Micah Lacunza, was not wearing a seatbelt and faces possible charges. The driver of the Toyota, Mathilde Richford, was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center, while her passenger, Skylor Richford, was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities saying drugs or alcohol were involved.

Why it matters

This tragic accident on a major highway in Washington state highlights the dangers of impaired and reckless driving, which can have devastating consequences for all involved. It also raises questions about highway safety and potential policy changes to prevent such head-on collisions in the future.

The details

According to the Washington State Patrol, the collision occurred just after 7:00 p.m. on Sunday near milepost 267 at Palo Alto Road. A westbound 2004 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2007 Toyota FJ head-on, destroying both vehicles. The pickup driver, 39-year-old Micah Lacunza of Port Hadlock, was not wearing a seatbelt and was airlifted to Providence Regional Medical Center. The Toyota driver, 34-year-old Mathilde Richford of Lynnwood, was also airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. A passenger in the Toyota, 39-year-old Skylor Richford of Lynnwood, was pronounced dead at the scene.

  • The collision occurred just after 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Micah Lacunza

A 39-year-old resident of Port Hadlock, Washington who was driving the westbound pickup truck that crossed the center line and caused the head-on collision.

Mathilde Richford

A 34-year-old resident of Lynnwood, Washington who was driving the eastbound Toyota FJ that was struck head-on by the pickup truck.

Skylor Richford

A 39-year-old resident of Lynnwood, Washington who was a passenger in the Toyota FJ and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Washington State Patrol will continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and Micah Lacunza may face charges of vehicular assault and vehicular homicide.

The takeaway

This tragic head-on collision on Highway 101 near Sequim serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from impaired or reckless driving. It underscores the importance of highway safety measures and the need for greater public awareness and education around the dangers of drunk or drugged driving.