Tragedy

This tragedy is sending shockwaves through the political community in Seattle and Olympia: Three people hit in crosswalks; one dies

Tatsuo Nakata, a 29-year-old man struck while in a West Seattle crosswalk Tuesday morning and described as "a bright shining star," has died.

Nakata, the chief of staff to City Councilman David Della, was on life support Tuesday awaiting his parents' arrivals from out of state, according to Councilwoman Jean Godden, who said she was at the hospital Tuesday with scores of others.

"Tatsuo was just the sweetest and loveliest guy," she said. "Here was somebody with so much promise."

Nakata was walking in a marked crosswalk at 47th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Admiral Way at 7:41 a.m. when he was struck by a station wagon, according to Seattle police. The 35-year-old driver, who was not identified, was questioned and released, said police spokeswoman Debra Brown. Police are still investigating.

Nakata was taken to Harborview Medical Center and died Tuesday afternoon, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

A graduate of Seattle University, Nakata was the council's youngest legislative aide and the youngest president of the Seattle Chapter Japanese American Citizens League. Before joining Della's office, he worked as a legislative aide to a state representative.

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Nakata.