Eastern Washington U Dean Mutschler ID’d As Victim In Sunday Fatal Cheney 3-Vehicle Head-On Crash

SPOKANE COUNTY, WA. (THECOUNT) — Charles Mutschler, Eastern Washington University Interim Dean of Libraries, has been identified as the victim in a fatal three-car crash near Cheney, WA on Sunday night.

Mutschler was operating a vehicle, when for unknown reasons, crossed centerlines and into opposing traffic, striking one vehicle from behind before colliding with another head-on.

The driver of the second vehicle, Kathryn M. Sinn, 21, of Newman Lake was transported to an area hospital with unknown injuries.

Her current condition was not provided by officials.

The other driver involved in the crash was not injured.

Mutschler was pronounced dead at the scene of multiple blunt force trauma injuries.

WSP troopers continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

They say speed, drugs nor alcohol were factors in the violent fatal crash.

University President Mary Cullinan announced the sad news that Mutschler, 63, had died in a vehicle crash in a letter to the campus community on Monday.

Cullinan wrote in part:

“Charlie was a beloved member of our Eastern family and contributed greatly to ensuring that our libraries flourish at the heart of our academic community. Charlie knew and lived EWU’s history, and he was delighted to share his knowledge and love for this university.” source KREM.

Before Mutschler’s time as Interim Dean of Libraries, he served as a university archivist. He also received his master’s degree from Eastern Washington University and a doctorate from Washington State University.

According to Washington State Patrol, Mutschler was traveling in the westbound lanes of Highway 905 near 5th Street. This is five miles east of Cheney.

Geo quick facts: Cheney is a city in Spokane County, Washington, United States. The full-time resident population was 10,590 as of 2010 census. Eastern Washington University is located in Cheney, and its population grows to approximately 17,600 people on a temporary basis when classes at Eastern Washington University are in session – Wikipedia.