SPOKANE, Wash. – The family of a woman who died following a high-speed chase and shooting is sharing their side of the story. The medical examiner confirmed the woman’s name on Friday as 18-year-old SallyAnn Yamane. Both Spokane Police and the medical examiner continue to investigate whether the death was a suicide, accident or homicide.
According to court records, the suspects claimed Yamane shot herself before the group was arrested. But her parents, Kelly and Keith Yamane, believe there is no way she would take her own life.
“She didn’t intentionally kill herself…it was accidental or someone else did it,” Kelly said. “She wanted to live. She had so many dreams.”
Dreams that her family says always seemed to stem around helping people.
“She wanted to be a drug and alcohol (counselor,)” she said. “She talked to me about that at length many times. Or if not that, a (child) therapist.”
Her parents say she had a soft spot for children and the elderly. She wanted to find a career that would somehow save lives. In the end, her parents say it’s the last thing SallyAnn did.
“She was an organ donor,” Keith said. “She ended up donating, kidneys, her heart, lungs.”
The ache of this loss and the uncertainty behind how it happened is like a dark lingering cloud over those who loved SallyAnn most. Reflecting on the incredible gift she gave to others is the only thing that can ease the pain.
“It does (give me comfort,)” her mother said. “She always wanted to give of herself, to others.”
When asked what they want people to remember about their daughter, they say they hope it was the way she loved others.
“She was loving, beautiful, talented,” her mother said. “She sang. She danced. She was so artistic.”
There is no timeline on when SPD and the ME will make their determination on Yamane’s death.
The suspects who were also in the vehicle with Yamane and involved in the original robbery and chase have all made their first court appearances. They are all facing a variety of felony charges.
