Crash victim's father: 'We now have the answers we want'

SEATTLE – After a three-year fight for answers in the death of their son in a Toyota pickup crash, the Eves finally know the truth.

However,  the truth didn't come from Toyota or the federal government. Instead, the family had to turn to the media, U.S. Senators and a forensic engineer for help.

"As parents who cared very much about their son and loved him very much, we've explored all avenues now, without the help of Toyota," said father Ron Eves in August 2010.

There were no witnesses the night Chris Eves died in a high-speed crash in his Toyota Tundra. The only clues left were trapped inside a small silver box – an event data recorder, or EDR – that could have recorded his speed and if he tried to brake.

"The truth – that's what we wanted," said Ron Eves.

But Toyota refused to download the information from the EDR until Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) became involved. KATU's sister station in Seattle, KOMO, obtained exclusive video of that download in April 2009.

Forensic engineer Bill Rosenbluth was a witness in the case. He said information Toyota downloaded wasn't complete and didn't make sense, recording a post-crash speed of 177 miles per hour.

"And the interpretation we got ... everybody agrees was implausible, because it was contradictory," he said.

In its disclaimers, Toyota states there may be limitations in its downloads.

"They are being very selective in what they're pulling down out of the EDR," said Ron Eves. "At this point, after three years, I'd say intentionally."

Contrary to Toyota's download, a new investigation by forensic engineer Rosenbluth claims to have retrieved all of the information on Chris Eves' EDR. Rosenbluth found Chris Eves was traveling about 75 miles per hour, and the brakes may have been deployed for a second before the crash.

"We now have the answers we want," said the victim's father.

The EDR can't say whether the Toyota had a sudden acceleration problem or if the driver simply fell asleep at the wheel; only his truck, long since destroyed, could answer that question.

Still, the Eves are finally at peace.

"And I know in my heart of, inside my heart and my feelings that I've done everything I can towards finding out what happened to our son," said Ron Eves.

The Eves now hope the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will step up to the plate to help other families who are still looking for answers.