Teen e-bike rider with ‘inspiring spirit’ killed in Pasco crash with SUV
A 17-year-old track athlete at Sageview High School died Tuesday night when he collided with an SUV while riding an e-bike.
Investigators say the SUV was heading east on Burns Road about 8 p.m. when the teen, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, pulled into the intersection at Road 60, Pasco police said in a Facebook post.
Dallin Persons, a junior at Sageview High, hit the SUV and was seriously injured.
Police and firefighters provided first aid, and Persons was rushed to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, where he later died, police said.
The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers.
Police said they are still investigating and are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Pasco Police Department at 509-545-3421.
Persons was a junior at Sageview High School, the school district’s Director of Public Affairs Anna Tensmeyer told the Tri-City Herald.
The crash happened near the main entrance to Sageview High. The intersection is controlled by a traffic light.
Counselors were sent to the high school early Wednesday to help students and staff, said Tensmeyer.
Athletic.net shows Persons competed this season in numerous track meets, finishing 5th and running a personal best in the 100-meter dash on May 15 at the Mid-Columbia Conference Championships in Walla Walla. He also ran last week in the 3A/4A District 6 Championships in Spokane Valley.
An inspiring spirit
Persons was the oldest of five children and regularly ran around his neighborhood as he prepared for track competition.
“Dallin was a light in his community, his church congregation and his school,” said Julee Heslop in a GoFundMe campaign. “His sweet, competitive and inspiring spirit will be missed.”
Heslop organized the fundraiser to help the Persons’ family with medical bills and funeral expenses. She hopes the funds will help ease the financial burden so they family can focus on supporting each other.
This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 11:27 AM.