Susie Edler Obituary, Yakima, WA Death: 67-Year-Old Killed in Head-On Crash as Husband and Former Mayor Dave Edler Critically Injured

Susie Edler, 67, of Yakima, Washington, died following a head-on collision on Coolidge Road in Yakima County on Sunday afternoon, November 8, 2026. Her husband, Dave Edler, 70, a former Yakima mayor and former Seattle Mariners player, was critically injured in the crash and airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment.

The collision occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. near South 76th Avenue, in the 7600 block of Coolidge Road. The couple were traveling together when their vehicle was struck by another car.

According to the preliminary investigation, a 26-year-old Yakima driver was traveling westbound but was in the eastbound lane. Police also reported that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it collided head-on with the Edlers’ car.

Susie and Dave were taken to MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Susie later died at the hospital, while Dave required additional emergency treatment and was flown to Seattle.

Driver Arrested Following Fatal Yakima County Crash

The other driver was arrested at the scene and booked into the Yakima County Jail on charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor, although the investigation remains ongoing.

The charges are allegations, and the case remains subject to the legal process. Authorities have not announced further investigative findings.

Susie and Dave Edler’s Years of Service in Yakima

Beyond the crash, Susie and Dave Edler were known in Yakima for their involvement in ministry and community life. They spent 24 years helping lead Yakima Foursquare Church, serving the congregation and a wider network of churches.

In April 2019, their son Jacob and daughter-in-law Chantal took over as lead pastors. Dave continued serving within the broader Foursquare movement, including leadership responsibilities involving churches across several states.

Dave also had a career in local government. He joined the Yakima City Council in 2003 and served as mayor from 2006 to 2010. His public service made him a familiar figure in the city’s civic life.

Before entering ministry and politics, Dave played professional baseball. He appeared with the Seattle Mariners from 1980 through 1983, primarily as a third baseman. He made his Major League Baseball debut on September 4, 1980, after playing college baseball at Washington State University.

Community Mourns Susie Edler

The collision has left Susie’s loved ones grieving her death while Dave faces a difficult recovery. Their years together in Yakima’s ministry, public service and community life form an important part of the story surrounding the couple.

For family members, friends and people who knew them through church and community work, Susie’s death is a deeply painful loss. The crash has also prompted concern for Dave as he receives treatment in Seattle.

The investigation into the fatal collision continues. Susie Edler is remembered by those whose lives she touched, while her family and community face the difficult days ahead.

May she rest in peace.