Susan “Susie” Edler Obituary: 67-Year-Old Killed in Head-On Yakima Crash as Husband Dave Edler Seriously Injured
The Yakima, Washington, community is mourning the loss of Susan “Susie” Edler, 67, wife of former Yakima Mayor and Seattle Mariners player Dave Edler, following a devastating head-on collision on Sunday afternoon, November 8, 2026. According to the Yakima Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Coolidge Road. Officers and firefighters responding to the scene found two people trapped inside one of the vehicles involved.
Susie and her 70-year-old husband, Dave, were transported to MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Susie later died at the hospital, while Dave was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for further treatment.
What Investigators Say Happened
Preliminary findings from police indicate that a vehicle driven by a 26-year-old Yakima man was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane of Coolidge Road at a high rate of speed before colliding head-on with the Edlers’ vehicle.
Police said alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor. The 26-year-old driver was arrested at the scene and booked into the Yakima County Jail on charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. The charges remain allegations, and the case is subject to the legal process.
The collision remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Traffic Investigator Darius Williams with the Yakima Police Department at 509-306-3814.
Remembering Susie and Supporting Dave
Susie and Dave were longtime leaders at Yakima Foursquare Church, where they served together for more than 30 years. Their years of ministry and community involvement touched many people in Yakima and beyond.
Following the crash, Yakima Foursquare Church announced that its doors would open for a community prayer gathering, inviting people to come together in support of the family and to pray for Dave’s recovery.
Susie’s death has left family members, friends, church members, and the wider Yakima community grieving. Thoughts and condolences are with everyone affected, while prayers remain with Dave as he receives medical care.
May Susan “Susie” Edler rest in peace, and may Dave and their loved ones find strength and comfort during this heartbreaking time.