Former Major League Baseball player Dave Edler sustained severe injuries in a head-on collision that killed his wife, Susie, on Sunday in Yakima, Washington. The alleged drunk driver of the other vehicle, 26-year-old Trevor Allen Stockton, has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
Edler, 70, and his wife, 67, were in their Ford Bronco Sport when it collided with Stockton's Dodge Ram pickup truck around 4:30 p.m. Both were trapped and required extrication by firefighters. Susie Edler was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dave Edler, who played third base for the Seattle Mariners from 1980 to 1983, was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He suffered two broken arms and facial injuries, and remained sedated for treatment as of Monday afternoon. A GoFundMe page established to support Edler's recovery has raised over $22,000.
During Stockton's court appearance on Monday, his bail was set at $75,000. Deputy Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney Jaye Sleeman described Stockton's reaction to the crash as "callous," noting he "chuckled" upon learning of the Edlers' injuries and responded "OK" when informed of Susie Edler's death. Sleeman also stated Stockton repeatedly insulted police officers.
According to an affidavit, Edler, who previously served as Mayor of Yakima from 2006 to 2010, told police that Stockton's truck had swerved into his lane. The pickup truck reportedly rode up onto the hood of the Bronco, collapsing the windshield.
A witness reported hearing the crash and seeing the vehicles in a ditch, with Stockton telling the witness that the Edlers "were in my lane." A Yakima Police Department officer noted signs of impairment in Stockton, including red, watery eyes, slurred speech, and the smell of alcohol.
Stockton refused sobriety tests, and authorities obtained a warrant for his blood. His cousin told officers Stockton had been drinking alcohol at breakfast before going to a bar, where security footage showed he and his girlfriend purchased nine drinks. The bar tab indicated he left the establishment just six minutes before the collision.
Preliminary investigations suggest Stockton was driving at high speeds, according to the YPD. The Edlers were long-time pastors at Yakima Foursquare Church, which announced plans for a community prayer service following the tragedy. The church posted on social media, requesting prayers for Dave Edler's recovery and for the families affected by the loss of Susie Edler and the incident.