Ethan Ragsdale Obituary, Death; A tragic single-vehicle rollover crash in Kelso has claimed the life of 18-year-old high school senior Ethan Ragsdale, leaving three other teenagers injured and a community in mourning.
According to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded Saturday to a rural private roadway after reports of a serious crash involving an overturned SUV. When first responders arrived, they found the vehicle flipped onto its side with one occupant trapped underneath.
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Authorities confirmed that Ragsdale, a senior at Mark Morris High School, was pinned beneath the SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators also stated he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Three other teenage passengers were involved in the rollover and were transported to the hospital for treatment, though officials have not yet released details regarding their conditions.
The driver, identified as 19-year-old Jacob Manecke Jr., remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators as the case continues.
Deputies said preliminary findings suggest alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review of possible charges.
Ragsdale’s family was notified at the scene, beginning a devastating period of grief for loved ones and the school community.
As investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the crash, Ethan Ragsdale is being remembered as a young man whose life ended far too soon in a tragedy that has left lasting pain across the Kelso community.