The man believed to have been the driver in a single vehicle accident Sept. 19 on Simonds Road in Kirkland was actually one of the passengers, according to the Kirkland Police Department.
Kenmore resident and Redmond High School graduate Kyle J. Reel died at the scene of the crash where he was initially thought to have been the driver. His body was found in the front of the car, but it was later discovered he had been sitting in the back and was thrown forward during the crash, according to police.
It is also believe that Dave “Beaver” Zielinski, one of the fisherman on the boat “Time Bandit,” featured on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, was also a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident. The Reporter attempted to contact representatives for the show but have not heard back.
The investigation also showed the car was going roughly 80-90 mph when it crashed into an embankment driving northwest, up the hill. Police stated they plan to file charges against the driver within a week.
The Reporter first became aware of the mistaken identity after it was contacted by Anita Reel, Kyle Reel’s mother. Anita Reel insisted her son had not been behind the wheel and would not have driven while intoxicated. Kirkland Police Department officials, who maintained that the crash was still under investigation during the past week, later confirmed her claims that he son was not the driver. The blood alcohol level of the driver could not be confirmed by police.
Police stated the driver allegedly left the scene and went to the house of the other passenger. Anita Reel claimed the other passenger, who suffered minor injuries, was Zielinski. Kirkland Police Department spokesperson Lt. Mike Murray said “I’m sure it was him.”
The driver later had to be taken to Haborview Medical Center the next day due to significant chest injuries sustained during the crash, at which point he allegedly stated he had been involved in the car crash.
Kirkland police were contacted and questioned the driver, who allegedly stopped speaking with them once he learned Reel had been killed. His chest injuries were consistent with hitting a steering wheel at high speeds, police stated. He was arrested and then released on his own recognizance.
Reel’s celebration of life ceremony was held Sept. 28 at the VFW Hall in Redmond. A Redmond High School graduate, he was described by his mother as honest and funny.
“What a blessing it was to even know him,” she said.
A lifelong self-employed businessman, he eventually moved up to Bristol Bay in Alaska to work as a fisherman. In addition to his mother, Anita, Kyle Reel is survived by his father, Wilbur, as well as his brothers, Shaun and Chad.
