A 17-year-old Poulsbo student remembered for her artistic talent, humor, and love of animals is being mourned after a fatal crash earlier this month.
Pelilu Wines died Tuesday, March 3, following a collision with a Jefferson Transit bus and another car on State Route 104 near Beaver Valley Road in Port Ludlow, according to authorities.
Wines was driving westbound on SR 104 when her vehicle collided with an eastbound Jefferson Transit bus. The bus then struck another westbound vehicle driven by a Sequim man, investigators said. Wines was pronounced dead at the scene.
The bus driver was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The Sequim man and his female passenger were taken to Jefferson Healthcare for treatment.
The bus driver has since been released from Harborview and is recovering at home, according to Jefferson Transit.
“All our thoughts are with those affected by the accident, and it is our hope that all recovery that is possible is full and quick,” Jefferson Transit General Manager Nicole Gauthier said.
Authorities said everyone involved in the crash was wearing a seatbelt.
Remembered For Creativity And Kindness
Family members and friends describe Wines as a bright, thoughtful teenager who loved art, animals, and wordplay.
Born Feb. 11, 2009, in Poulsbo, she grew up surrounded by family and spent time attending several schools in the region, including Grant Street Elementary in Port Townsend, Poulsbo Elementary, West Sound Academy in Poulsbo, North Kitsap High School, and most recently OCEAN School in the Port Townsend School District.
She was widely known in the community for her artistic abilities. Her work earned multiple awards, including repeated first-place honors at the Kitsap County Fair and recognition as a regional winner at the State Superintendent’s Art Show.
She also volunteered for several years as an art docent.
Friends say she enjoyed reading and writing, walking her dog along the beach, and caring for her cats and chickens. She was also known for her quick wit and love of puns.
Wines is survived by her parents, Kaleen Steinke and Robert Wines; her sister, Tütlalee Wines; her grandmother, Elena Steinke; her godparents, Sarah Rubenstein and Joseph Carmonio; and extended family members and friends.
“Our broken hearts are with their family and friends and everyone who is grieving the outcomes of this tragic accident,” Port Townsend School District Superintendent Dr. Linda Rosenbury wrote in a message to families.
The district has made additional counseling and support services available to students and staff following the crash.
Memorial And Community Support
Community members have organized a fundraiser to support Wines’ family with funeral and memorial expenses and to help them during the difficult weeks ahead.
Cards and messages of support can be sent or dropped off at OCEAN School in Port Townsend and Vinland Elementary in Poulsbo.
A celebration of Wines’ life is planned for Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m. at the Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Port Townsend.
Organizers are encouraging attendees to dress in bright colors, patterns, sparkles, or even cat ears in honor of the teen’s joyful spirit.
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