Ethan Ragsdale Accident: Mark Morris High School Senior Trapped Under SUV Killed in Rural Kelso Rollover Crash – A tragic rollover crash on a rural road in Kelso has left an 18-year-old high school senior dead and three other teenagers injured, with deputies saying alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the devastating incident.
According to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded Saturday to a chaotic scene on a private rural roadway after reports of a single-vehicle crash. When first responders arrived, they found an SUV that had flipped onto its side, with one occupant trapped underneath.
The victim was identified as 18-year-old Ethan Ragsdale, a senior at Mark Morris High School. Deputies confirmed Ragsdale was pinned beneath the overturned SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators also stated that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Three other passengers, all teenagers, were also involved in the rollover. Authorities said they were transported to the hospital for treatment by private vehicle. Their conditions have not been publicly released.
The driver of the SUV has been identified as 19-year-old Jacob Manecke Jr. Officials said he remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators as the case continues.
Deputies believe alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash. Once the investigation is complete, authorities said the findings will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office for review of possible charges.
Ragsdale’s family was notified at the scene of his death, marking the beginning of an unimaginable loss for loved ones and the Mark Morris High School community.
The deadly crash remains under investigation by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office as officials work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the rollover.
