Who Killed Robert Rathvon? Washington State’s Unsolved Hit-and-Run: Justice for Robert Rathvon

On what should have been an ordinary night after a long week of work, 35-year-old Robert "Rob" Rathvon made a decision many of us have made ourselves—he chose to stay in a hotel rather than risk driving home while exhausted.

It was a decision that should have kept him safe.

Instead, it became the beginning of an unsolved tragedy.

Rob, an experienced air ambulance pilot from Camano Island, had just completed a seven-day work rotation. Dedicated to helping others, he had spent years flying in some of the world's most challenging conditions before returning to Washington to continue saving lives as a Life Flight pilot.

After checking into a hotel in Poulsbo on the evening of December 8, 2023, Rob walked to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Surveillance cameras later captured him leaving shortly after midnight.

Investigators believe that because he was unfamiliar with the area, he accidentally walked toward the Finn Hill exit ramp along State Route 3 instead of back to his hotel.

Sometime during the early morning hours of December 9, Rob was struck by a vehicle.

The driver didn't stop.

They didn't call 911.

They didn't try to help.

Instead, they fled, leaving Rob to die.

His body was discovered hours later by passing motorists.

Nearly three years have passed, and despite an extensive investigation by the Washington State Patrol, the person responsible has not been publicly identified.

Investigators believe the vehicle likely sustained significant passenger-side front-end damage, possibly including damage to the hood, windshield, and a fog light assembly. Even after all this time, someone may remember a vehicle that suddenly appeared damaged, was repaired unexpectedly, or disappeared from public view shortly after December 9, 2023.

Someone knows something.

Perhaps it was a friend who noticed fresh damage to a vehicle. Perhaps a family member heard a troubling conversation. Perhaps a repair shop remembers a suspicious repair request. Even the smallest detail—something that seemed insignificant at the time—could be the missing piece investigators need.

Rob's family has never stopped searching for answers. They continue to speak publicly about his life and the impact his loss has had on everyone who knew him. A reward has been offered for information leading to the person responsible, but more than anything, they want the truth.

Justice often depends on ordinary people choosing to do the right thing.

If you were traveling near the Finn Hill exit off State Route 3 during the night of December 8 or the early morning of December 9, 2023, or if you know someone whose vehicle was mysteriously damaged around that time, please come forward. Even if you think your information is unimportant, let investigators decide. A single tip can change the course of an investigation.

No family should have to wait years wondering who took the life of someone they loved.

Robert Rathvon devoted his career to helping others in their darkest moments. Now, his family is asking for the public's help.

If you have any information about this case, please contact the Washington State Patrol or Crime Stoppers. You may be able to remain anonymous, and your information could be the key to finally bringing justice to Robert and peace to his family.

Together, we can help ensure that this case is not forgotten.

If this story reaches you, please share it. Someone, somewhere, knows what happened that night.