Charges Filed in Fatal Crash Involving Former Seattle Mariners Player

A 26-year-old man from Washington is now facing felony charges after a head-on collision resulted in the death of Susie Edler, the wife of former Seattle Mariners player and Yakima mayor Dave Edler. The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon, leaving Dave Edler critically injured.

According to the Yakima Police Department, the crash took place around 4:30 p.m. on Coolidge Road near South 76th Avenue. Investigators revealed that a vehicle, traveling at high speed westbound, crossed into the eastbound lane, directly hitting the Edlers’ car. Emergency crews had to extract both victims from the wreckage.

Susie Edler, aged 67, and Dave Edler, aged 70, were taken to MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital with severe injuries. Sadly, Susie Edler died shortly after arriving. Dave Edler was stabilized before being airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he remains in a critical state.

The driver responsible was identified as Trevor Allen Stockton, a 26-year-old from Yakima. Authorities suspect alcohol impairment as a primary cause of the accident. Stockton was detained at the site and now faces charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.

Stockton appeared in court on Monday in Yakima County Superior Court, and his bail was set at $75,000. During the proceedings, the judge noted Stockton’s emotionless demeanor post-crash.

Dave Edler holds a notable reputation in central Washington for his contributions to sports and the community. After playing college baseball at Washington State University, he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 1978 and played 126 games with them between 1980 and 1983.

Beyond baseball, Dave Edler served on the Yakima City Council from 2003 to 2006, later becoming mayor from 2006 to 2010. He and his late wife were also pastoral leaders at Yakima Foursquare Church for 30 years.

Investigators continue to await final toxicology results as they move forward with the case.