A tragic single-vehicle crash near Kelso claimed the life of an 18-year-old high school student on Saturday, according to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the victim as Elden Ragdale, a senior at Mark Morris High School. Deputies said Ragdale was trapped beneath a 1994 Toyota 4Runner following the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident.
The driver, 19-year-old Jacob Manecke Jr. of Kelso, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The crash occurred about 12 miles east of Kelso near the intersection of Maranatha Road and Rose Valley Road.
Three additional passengers in the vehicle were transported to a nearby hospital. Their current conditions have not been released.
Investigators believe alcohol may have played a role in the crash. The case remains under investigation, and officials say findings will be forwarded to the prosecutor’s office to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
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