A test result that indicated 12-year-old Kenneth McKinster of Gresham, Oregon, who died in a go-kart accident on April 11, 2008 in Richland, Washington, had alcohol in his system was apparently caused by botched procedures in the Benton County Coroner's Office.  The initial blood test showed alcohol in his system, however, a second test was ordered that found no alcohol, the Tri-City Herald has learned.

"I am aware of the conflicting toxicology report," Benton County Prosecutor Andy Miller said Friday. "There is no evidence the boy had alcohol. It was a mistake by the coroner's office."

Mike Russell, who worked as a coroner's assistant for Corson until resigning May 21, 2008 said he's not surprised by the problem because blood vials are stored poorly at the coroner's office and there has been contamination of needles that are used for taking the blood samples.

In the accident, the boy was fully suited in safety equipment during a supervised race at the Horn Rapids ORV Park when his go-kart ran off the track on a turn and into a cable fence. McKinster's body was caught in the cables, causing a fatal wound to his neck. The track where the boy died is owned by the city of Richland and leased to the Tri-City Kart Club, which built and maintains the facility.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC handles injury accidents, defective product, defective design and wrongful death cases in the State of Washington including the Tri-City areas of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco. 

Call us for a no obligation consultation at 1-800-636-3676.