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 Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by multiple agencies, including the Washington State Patrol, Kelso Police Department, the Cowlitz County Coroner’s 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.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.