Former Mariners third baseman Dave Edler was injured in a car crash Sunday in Washington that killed his wife Susie, according to NBC.
Edler, 70, and his wife, 67, were involved in a head-on car collision in Yakima, Wash., and the 26-year-old operator of the other car was arrested on charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault, the Yakima Police Department (YPD) told the outlet.
The YPD reportedly believed alcohol facwtored into the accident at the start of its investigation, and Trevor Allen Stockton made a court appearance Monday, per the Yakima Herald-Republic.
His bail was set at $75,000, and the judge referenced Stockton’s “callous reaction” to the fallout from the accident, per the Herald-Republic.
Yakima County Superior Court Judge Shane Silverthorn reportedly said Stockton “chuckled” after learning of the serious injuries suffered by the Edlers.
“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 the Herald-Republic.
A GoFundMe has been created for Dave and has raised over $12,000, as of Tuesday morning.
The YPD told NBC that the fire department responded around 4:30 p.m. to a car crash and found two individuals trapped inside a car.
Dave told police that a truck came into his lane, per the Herald-Republic, and the car came onto his hood, although Stockton said the Edlers were in his lane, a witness told police.
Stockton allegedly had been driving at high speeds, the YPD said based on its preliminary investigation.
A YPD drug recognition offer said he could smell alcohol on Stockton despite being five feet away, the Herald-Republic reported citing the affidavit, and he had “red, watery eyes and slurred speech.”
Stockton reportedly declined voluntary field sobriety tests, and his cousin later said she saw him drinking at breakfast that morning, per the affidavit.
Police unearthed his bar receipt from that day which showed nine drinks for Stockton and his girlfriend, per the Herald-Republic.
He reportedly also insulted an officer by using a slur.
The Edlers were sent to MultiCare Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries, the police department told NBC, and Susie was pronounced dead.
Dave was reportedly airlifted to Harborview Medical Center, and the GoFundMe said he is sedated and receiving medical treatment.
He suffered two broken arms and facial injuries, per the Herald-Republic.
“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 GoFundMe page states.
“Dave and Susie are pastors, friends, mentors. They are a mother and father. They are a grandmother and grandfather. They have touched countless lives through their love, friendship, leadership, and ministry. They are so deeply loved by so many, and we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of prayers and generosity already extended to the family.”
Dave, who attended high school in Yakima and went to Washington State, landed with the Mariners in the 21st round of the 1978 MLB Draft.
He spent four seasons with the team from 1980-83, appearing in 126 games.
Dave primarily played third base and enjoyed his best season in 1982 when he slashed .279/.345/.394 for a career-best .739 OPS across 40 games.
He finished his career as a .216 hitter with six homers and 36 RBIs.
Dave later into politics after his playing career ended, serving on the Yakima City Council from 2003-06 before becoming the city’s mayor from 2006-10, per NBC.
He and his wife later became Pastors at Yakima Foursquare Church for 30 years, per the Herald-Republic.
