SeaTac Councilwoman Amina Ahmed Dies In Crash

SEATAC, WA - SeaTac Councilwoman Amina Ahmed was the sole victim in a deadly car crash Saturday afternoon in the city. The crash happened on a busy street that cuts across the south end of Sea-Tac Airport.

Ahmed, 52, was appointed to the Council on Oct. 23. Ahmed moved to King County in 1999 and has worked for human services nonprofits in the region since 2002. She filled the vacancy left by former SeaTac mayor Michael Siefkes - he stepped down on Sept. 11 because he is facing disbarment.

"It's both exciting and humbling to continue serving and I promise to work even harder to maintain the confidence and trust you have shown in me," Ahmed wrote on Facebook in October when she was picked to replace Siefkes.

Local politicians and activists were shocked by Ahmed's death.

"We mourn the loss of this incredible woman and community advocate. Prayers to her family and loved ones," U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal said on Twitter Sunday.

"Councilmember Ahmed was a strong advocate for equity across the region and joined many committees and workgroups, including the King County Immigrant & Refugee Commission where she helped uphold the County’s commitment as a welcoming community," King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a statement.

The crash happened near the intersection of South 188th and 16th Avenue South, which connects SR 99 and SR 509. King County detectives are still investigating what caused the crash.

Caption: Ahmed, seated bottom left, in a picture taken after she joined the SeaTac City Council.

Image courtesy City of SeaTac