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
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.