Carnation’s annual Run for the Pies will be missing one familiar face this year — Josh Ward. The 16-year-old Carnation native was killed Friday, June 19, when his Honda Civic was hit on the driver’s side by a Jeep Cherokee in the 29500 block of N.E. Big Rock Road, near Duvall.

This year’s race is being held in Ward’s honor.

A bright light has been extinguished for the teen’s family and friends.

Ward made an impression on everyone around him, the race’s organizer, Nicole Pitts, said.

She coached him in eighth grade track at Tolt Middle School, where she now coaches his younger brother.

“What a great personality. One of those people — really respectful — which you don’t see a lot with kids that age,” Pitts said, fighting back tears.

“Josh was always a real bright spot on cross country; he was always smiling and was just a pleasure to be around,” said teammate Josh Denison.

Ward also ran track and wrestled at Cedarcrest High School, where he was a sophomore.

Many of his high school teammates “are still in shock,” Pitts said.

After the accident, Ward was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he died two hours later. The other driver, a 20-year-old woman, was taken to Evergreen Hospital Medical Center in Kirkland with non-life threatening injuries.

The crash is still under investigation, according to Sergeant John Urquhart, spokesman for the King County Sheriff’s office.