Kent-Meridian student Tursic had alcohol in his system at time of fatal car crash

Toxicology reports from the accident that claimed the life of Kent-Meridian student Dorian Tursic reveal the 18-year-old basketball player had a blood alcohol level of 0.05 at the time of the Jan. 3 accident, according to Kent Police Department spokesperson Lisa Price.

Though the legal limit 0.08, because Tursic was underage, anything over 0.02 is considered arrestable, Price said.

Tursic was the driver of the car, a 2004 Chevy Impala sedan. His three passengers: a 17-year-old girl and two 14-year-old girls, were injured but survived.

According to Price, the speed, age and inexperience of the driver also were major factors in the accident.

Police investigation revealed Tursic’s car was traveling at more than 70 mph at the time of the accident, based on evidence collected at the scene.

Tursic was killed when his Impala crashed into a tree at approximately 4 a.m. in the 23800 block of 64th Avenue South in Kent.

His three passengers were transported to Harborview medical Center in Seattle with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

According to police, the group of teenagers in Tursic’s vehicle had met earlier with a second group of friends in SeaTac. Both vehicles of teenagers were on their way to a residence in Kent when the accident occurred.

The second vehicle witnessed the accident, but was not involved in it.

Tursic moved to Kent-Meridian High School in September and quickly became a popular member of the student body and the school’s basketball team, where the 6-foot, 2-inch guard wore number 22.

Team members, fellow students, teachers and community members all joined in a tearful goodbye Jan. 7 at Marlatt Funeral Home, as well as the night of Jan. 6, when they conducted a candelight vigil at K-M’s French Field.

Price said the investigation is now closed and that no charges were expected to be filed.