Former Seattle Mariners player and Yakima mayor Dave Edler is in critical condition after a head-on collision Sunday that killed his wife, Susie Edler. The crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. in the 7600 block of Coolidge Road, according to the Yakima Police Department.
Investigators stated that a westbound vehicle, driven by 26-year-old Trevor Allen Stockton of Yakima, crossed the center line into the eastbound lane and struck the Edlers' car. Both victims were cut from the wreckage. Susie Edler, 67, died at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital. Dave Edler, 70, was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and remains in critical condition.
Stockton was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. Authorities suspect alcohol impairment was a factor in the crash, and Stockton's bail was set at $75,000. Reports noted Stockton’s seemingly indifferent reaction following the collision.
Dave Edler played college baseball at Washington State University before being selected by the Seattle Mariners in 1978. He played 126 games for the team between 1980 and 1983. After his baseball career, Edler served on the Yakima City Council from 2003 to 2006 and as mayor from 2006 to 2010. He and his wife also led the Yakima Foursquare Church for three decades. Official toxicology results are pending.