PASCO, Wash. – Ernest (EJ) Brewer, 35, who grew up in Dayton was killed on Jan 23 after colliding with a semi truck. Brewer was reportedly driving a Dodge minivan behind a semi on Highway 395 near Mesa in North Franklin County at 11:45 p.m. on Jan. 23 and rear-ended a semi.

The semi and trailer had reportedly slowed for a Department of Transportation truck that was de-icing the roadway, because he needed to exit.

Brewer has been active in the Richland Players community theater group and had been in eight plays between 2007 and 2014. The Richland Players held a “Dim the Lights” tribute for Brewer on Jan. 24.

Brewer was a member of the Dayton High School Class of 2001.