Local News
18-year-old Elden Ragsdale killed after getting trapped under SUV in rollover crash in Cowlitz County
The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office has released additional details regarding a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred on April 18, 2026, in the Rose Valley area near Kelso.
According to officials, deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Maranatha Road after receiving reports of a serious rollover collision involving a vehicle that had come to rest on its side, with an occupant trapped beneath it.
Upon arrival, deputies, along with personnel from Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue, confirmed that one individual was pinned underneath the vehicle, identified as a 1994 Toyota 4Runner.
Emergency responders determined that the trapped individual, later identified as 18-year-old Elden Ragsdale of Longview, had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that his family was notified at the location.
Ragsdale was a senior at Mark Morris High School.
School district officials were informed of the incident to ensure that appropriate counseling and support services are made available to students and staff affected by the loss.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as 19-year-old Jacob Manecke Jr. of Kelso. Investigators stated that he remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities throughout the initial response.
Preliminary findings suggest that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash. Additionally, officials noted that Ragsdale was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the incident.
Three other juvenile passengers were also involved in the crash.
They were transported to a local medical facility by private vehicle for treatment of injuries. The extent of their conditions has not been publicly disclosed.
The case remains under active investigation.
Upon completion, findings will be forwarded to the appropriate prosecuting authority for review and determination of any potential criminal charges.
The Sheriffโs Office was assisted at the scene by multiple agencies, including the Washington State Patrol, Kelso Police Department, the Cowlitz County Coronerโs Office, and the Cowlitz Chaplaincy.
Authorities noted that the crash occurred approximately 12 miles east of Kelso near the intersection of Maranatha Road, a private gravel roadway, and Rose Valley Road.
DETROIT, Michigan โ An 11-year-old boy identified as Karon has tragically lost his life after reportedly being struck by two vehicles while crossing a street on Detroitโs west side Saturday afternoon, October 17, 2026.
His heartbreaking death has left his family and loved ones facing an unimaginable loss, while the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash remain a matter for investigation.
According to preliminary reports shared about the incident, the boy was attempting to cross the street with his brothers near the intersection of Puritan Avenue and Coyle Street when he was struck by two vehicles.
Karon was just 11 years old โ an age when children should be making memories with their families, enjoying school, spending time with friends, and looking forward to the many milestones still ahead of them.
Instead, his family is now confronting the devastating reality of losing a child far too soon.
The circumstances described in reports of the collision have prompted an outpouring of grief and sympathy for Karonโs family, particularly his brothers, who were reportedly with him as he attempted to cross the street.
Losing a child is an unimaginable tragedy for any parent. For Karonโs loved ones, the pain is made even more difficult by the suddenness of the incident and the knowledge that a young life filled with promise has been cut short.
His brothers may also face the emotional challenges of coping with the loss of someone they shared their childhood with. The impact of such a traumatic event can extend well beyond the immediate aftermath, affecting the entire family and community.
As friends and members of the public express their condolences, many are keeping Karonโs parents, brothers, relatives, and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.
The reported crash occurred near Puritan Avenue and Coyle Street on Detroitโs west side on Saturday, October 17.
According to the information currently available, Karon was crossing the street with his brothers when two vehicles struck him. However, further details about the sequence of events, the drivers involved, and the circumstances leading up to the collision have not been established in the information provided.
Responsibility for the crash should not be assumed before investigators have had an opportunity to determine what happened.
Additional information from authorities would be needed to confirm the precise circumstances of the collision and whether any citations or charges may follow.
Karonโs death is a painful reminder of the importance of exercising caution around residential streets and areas where children may be walking or crossing the road.
Drivers are urged to remain alert, observe posted speed limits, watch carefully for pedestrians, and be especially cautious near intersections and residential neighborhoods. Children can be difficult to see, and unexpected movements near the roadway can leave drivers with very little time to react.
Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and even a brief lapse in attention can have devastating consequences.
At just 11 years old, Karon had so much of life still ahead of him. He deserved the opportunity to grow, learn, discover his passions, and experience the milestones that families look forward to celebrating with their children.
His death has left a heartbreaking void for those who loved him.
As the family grieves, messages of sympathy and prayers offer a reminder that they are not alone in their sorrow. The loss of a child affects an entire circle of family, friends, and community members, each of whom must find a way to process the tragedy.
May Karon rest in peace, and may his family, especially his brothers and parents, find strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Rest in peace, Karon. You were only 11 years old, and your life mattered. ๐๏ธ๐