Former Mariners infielder Dave Edler suffered life-threatening injuries and lost his wife Susie in a Yakima crash after an alleged drunk driver chuckled at the news, a judge said.
Dave Edler, 70, a former Seattle Mariners third baseman, Yakima mayor, and longtime pastor, was left with two broken arms and facial injuries after a head-on collision in Yakima, Wash., on Sunday. His wife, Susie Edler, 67, was pronounced dead.
Trevor Allen Stockton, the 26-year-old driver of the other vehicle, was arrested on charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. At a Monday court appearance, Yakima County Superior Court Judge Shane Silverthorn set bail at $75,000 and described Stockton’s reaction after learning the damage he had caused.
The New York Post reported that police believed alcohol played a role from the start, and court records painted a picture of a driver who had been drinking heavily before the crash.
Judge Silverthorn told the court that Stockton’s demeanor stood out. The judge said Stockton “chuckled” after learning of the serious injuries the Edlers suffered.
Silverthorn went further on what happened when Stockton heard a passenger had died.
“Upon hearing he had killed the passenger. His response was ‘OK,’ seemingly not to care about the death-dealing impact he caused, which the officer believed to be the cause of Mr. Stockton’s mocking smile,”
the judge said, according to local coverage of the hearing.
That reaction landed in open court while a husband fought for his life and a wife’s family prepared for a funeral.
Yakima Police Department investigators said a preliminary review pointed to high speeds and alcohol as factors. A drug recognition officer reported smelling alcohol on Stockton from five feet away and noted red, watery eyes and slurred speech. Stockton declined voluntary field sobriety tests.
An affidavit described additional details. Stockton’s cousin said she saw him drinking at breakfast that morning. Police later found a bar receipt from the same day showing nine drinks for Stockton and his girlfriend.
Stockton also reportedly insulted an officer with a slur during the encounter. The accounts of the crash itself conflicted. Edler told police a truck came into his lane and the other car ended up on his hood. Stockton said the Edlers were in his lane. No independent determination of lane position appears in the available record.
Yakima police said the fire department responded around 4:30 p.m. and found two people trapped inside a car. Both Edlers were taken to MultiCare Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Susie was pronounced dead there. Dave was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center, where he remained sedated while receiving treatment.
The couple had spent decades in public and church life in Yakima. Dave attended high school in the city, played at Washington State, and was drafted by the Mariners in the 21st round in 1978. He appeared in 126 games from 1980 to 1983, mostly at third base, and hit.279 with a.739 OPS in 40 games during his best season in 1982. Career totals showed a.216 average, six home runs, and 36 RBIs.
After baseball he served on the Yakima City Council from 2003 to 2006 and as mayor from 2006 to 2010. He and Susie pastored at Yakima Foursquare Church for 30 years.
A GoFundMe for the family had raised more than $12,000 as of Tuesday morning. The page described the sudden loss and the practical needs that followed.
“As the family navigates this sudden and unimaginable loss, we are asking for prayers and support. Donations will help cover funeral expenses and arrangements for Susie, Dave’s medical bills, food and lodging for family members staying near the hospital, and any other needs that might arise during this difficult season,”
the campaign stated. It also called Dave and Susie pastors, mentors, parents, and grandparents who had touched many lives through ministry and friendship.
Stockton remains charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. Bail stands at $75,000. Toxicology results and a full charging docket were not detailed in the initial reporting. Dave Edler’s longer-term prognosis beyond the listed injuries and sedation also was not provided.
A husband is fighting serious injuries. A wife is gone. The man accused in the crash faces felony counts after a day of heavy drinking, a refused sobriety test, and a courtroom reaction that treated a death like a shrug. Accountability starts with the facts already on the record.
