SK teen killed in Renton crash

A South Kitsap High School student was killed Friday when the car she was riding in split in half after striking an oncoming car nearly head-on in Renton.

According to the King County Sheriff’s Department, Briana Hyde, 17, of Southworth, died at the scene of the crash, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on the 12900 Block of SE Petrovitsky Road.

Hyde was riding in a 1987 Honda Accord driven by a 16-year-old Puyallup girl. According to investigators, the 16-year-old was driving westbound on Petrovitsky Road when she apparently lost control of the vehicle and it struck a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria traveling eastbound.

Both the 16-year-old and the other driver were seriously injured and transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, as of Monday detectives had not officially determined the cause of the crash and were still investigating the incident.

Hyde, who grew up in South Kitsap, was identified as a Tacoma resident in initial news reports about the accident. Hyde’s mother, Southworth resident Beth Hyde, said her daughter moved to Tacoma two years ago to live with her father, Glen Coberly, but moved back to Southworth in December.

Hyde said she was grateful to have had Briana home for the last several months, describing her oldest daughter as a teenager with a “zest for life.” “She loved art, music, dancing, and just hanging out with her friends,” she said, explaining that her daughter was heading out to go bowling Friday night. Hyde said her daughter was also active in a youth group in Tacoma, where she helped tutor younger children with their schoolwork.

Neighbor Debbie Burge, who lives across the street from Briana’s home, said her children grew up with the 17-year-old she described as a “wonderful girl that touched many lives.

“She was like my third child,” Burge said, explaining that Briana and her son were inseparable when they were younger.

“It’s every mother’s nightmare,” she said.

Briana attended South Colby Elementary School and John Sedgwick Junior High School, where her younger sister, Alycia Fry, 13, is a student.

A memorial is planned for tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Harper Evangelical Free Church, where Hyde said the family has been attending for 12 years.

The King County Sheriff’s Department is requesting that anyone who may have witnessed or has information about the accident call (206) 296-3311.

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