A tragic head-on collision claimed the life of 25-year-old Christopher R. Rankin from Lakewood on December 5, 2025, along a treacherous stretch of eastbound State Route 302 near Mason County.
The Washington State Patrol reported the incident unfolded around 3:40 p.m., involving two vehicles on a rural highway notorious for slick surfaces and sharp curves. Rankin, driving alone, suffered critical injuries and passed away later that evening at a nearby hospital despite the dedicated efforts of emergency responders.
Rankin graduated from Lakes High School in 2018, where he excelled in hands-on projects that sparked his lifelong fascination with engines and machinery. He then enrolled at Clover Park Technical College, completing vocational training in automotive technology that equipped him with essential skills in diagnostics, repairs, and vehicle maintenance.
Professionally, Rankin thrived as a junior mechanic at a bustling Lakewood auto shop, where his quick learning curve and positive attitude quickly won over seasoned colleagues. He specialized in troubleshooting electrical systems and engine overhauls, often staying late to perfect his work on customer vehicles. His enthusiasm for the latest automotive innovations, including electric vehicle components, reflected a forward-thinking mindset that colleagues admired in the fast-evolving industry.
Family formed the cornerstone of Rankin’s world, where he served as a devoted son and brother who prioritized weekend barbecues and holiday traditions above all else. He shared a close bond with his parents and siblings, frequently organizing fishing trips to nearby lakes or backyard game nights that strengthened their ties.
In his personal life, Rankin embraced a balanced routine that blended work with simple joys, such as restoring classic cars in his garage or hiking trails around Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He volunteered sporadically at local youth auto clubs, mentoring teens on basic repairs while sharing stories of his own high school tinkering days.
As Lakewood prepares to bid farewell, funeral services are being arranged through area providers, with public notices forthcoming in local publications. Rankin’s memory endures through the vehicles he revived and the lives he steadied, a young mechanic whose brief journey leaves an enduring testament to curiosity, kinship, and quiet resolve.