Richland theater member killed in collision with semi
A long-time member of the Richland Players theater group died late Wednesday after hitting a semi on Highway 395 near Mesa in north Franklin County.
Investigators believe Ernest E. Brewer, 35, of Kennewick, wasn’t paying attention as he was heading north in a Dodge minivan behind a semi truck hauling a trailer at 11:45 p.m., the Washington State Patrol said.
The truck’s driver, Elvin E. Hodgen, 39, of Airway Heights, told investigators he slowed for a Department of Transportation truck putting de-icer on the roadway because he needed to turn off at the Highway 17 exit.
Hodgen was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland. The investigation closed the highway near the exit for several hours.
Community theater members said Brewer performed in eight plays between 2007 and 2014. They planned to remember him Thursday evening, according the Richland Players Facebook page.
“EJ was an absolute joy to be around. He leaves behind his wife and beautiful children,” the community theater group wrote. “We are keeping them in our thoughts.
He grew up in Dayton and worked as a bulk laborer at Lamb Weston in Connell, said his Facebook page.
Cameron Probert: 509-582-1402, @cameroncprobert
This story was originally published January 24, 2019 at 9:11 AM.