Tacoma, WA – The Washington State Patrol is mourning the loss of Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, who was killed in the line of duty Friday evening after being struck by a vehicle while investigating a crash near the Port of Tacoma.
According to the Washington State Patrol, the 29-year-old trooper was standing outside her patrol vehicle investigating a two-car collision just before 7:30 p.m. on southbound State Route 509 near milepost 2 when she was struck by another vehicle. People at the scene immediately rendered aid, but Trooper Guting later died from her injuries.
The incident occurred south of the Port of Tacoma in Pierce County, an area that frequently sees heavy commercial and commuter traffic. The Tacoma Police Department is now leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Trooper Guting began her career with WSP as a trooper cadet in January 2024 and graduated from the agency’s 119th Trooper Basic Training Class. She was commissioned on October 30, 2024, and had been serving in District 1 in Tacoma.
Before joining the Washington State Patrol, Guting had an extensive history of public service. Born July 19, 1996, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she graduated from Mililani High School in 2014 and enlisted in the Army National Guard later that year. She served honorably as a Signal Intelligence Analyst for eight years, completing her military service in October 2022.
She is survived by her husband, Timothy, a Deputy State Fire Marshal at the WSP Fire Training Academy in North Bend, along with extended family, friends, and fellow troopers.
“This loss is devastating,” said WSP Chief John R. Batiste. “We will never forget Badge #720 – Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting.”
Her death marks the 34th line-of-duty death in the Washington State Patrol’s 105-year history.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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