KIRKLAND, Wash. — The tight-knit community of Kirkland is reeling from a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed the life of Sheila Stanton, a beloved member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, known for her boundless compassion and dedication to service. On a quiet Sunday afternoon, just after 2 p.m., a catastrophic accident unfolded at the Grocery Outlet in the Bridle Trails Shopping Center, forever altering the lives of those involved and leaving a community in mourning.
A 74-year-old woman, driving a new car she may not have fully mastered, lost control and plowed through the front doors of the store at 6625 132nd Ave NE. The vehicle tore through shelves, scattering debris and striking shoppers in a scene of sudden chaos. Among them was Sheila Stanton, who was grocery shopping with a friend, unaware that these would be her final moments. Despite the swift response of emergency crews from Kirkland, Redmond, and Bellevue, Stanton succumbed to her injuries en route to the hospital, leaving behind a legacy of love and selflessness.
Stanton, a longtime pillar of St. John’s Episcopal Church, was remembered by Father Michael Ryan as a woman whose “superpower” was creating community. “Sheila had such a heart to be of loving service to everybody she encountered,” Ryan shared, his voice heavy with grief. “If you can imagine a table we’re all sitting around, Sheila was always the one to make sure there was a place open for the next person that walked through the door.” Just the day before her death, Stanton had been at the church, hosting a community dinner for those in need, welcoming strangers with the same warmth she extended to all.
The crash also left a mother and her 12-year-old son with severe and major injuries, respectively. Both were rushed to local hospitals, including Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and EvergreenHealth Medical Center in Kirkland. Authorities reported Monday that the pair is slowly recovering, offering a glimmer of hope amid the sorrow. The elderly driver, whose identity has not been released, was also injured and hospitalized, though her condition remains unclear. Kirkland Police are meticulously investigating the cause, with early indications pointing to an accident possibly due to the driver’s unfamiliarity with her new vehicle. Blood test results are pending to determine if impairment was a factor, and no charges have been announced as the investigation continues.
The Grocery Outlet remains closed indefinitely, its shattered storefront a stark reminder of the tragedy. “You wouldn’t expect something like this to happen, not just grocery shopping,” said Cassandra Blaine, a local shopper who visited the scene in disbelief. For a community that prides itself on its quiet, close-knit nature, the loss of Stanton—a woman who embodied its spirit—has left an indelible mark. “It’s tragic what happened here today in Kirkland,” said Barbra Kuhfeld, a former store employee, echoing the sentiments of many.
As the investigation unfolds, the Kirkland community gathers to honor Stanton’s memory, finding solace in her enduring legacy of kindness. “Our thoughts are with those who were injured and with everyone impacted by this tragic incident,” said Police Chief Cherie Harris, extending heartfelt condolences to Stanton’s family and loved ones. In the days ahead, St. John’s Episcopal Church plans to hold a memorial to celebrate the life of a woman who, in Father Ryan’s words, “formed community wherever she was.”