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Longview Today
By the People, for the People
Longview High School Student Killed in Cowlitz County DUI Crash
Three other teens injured in single-vehicle incident on Maranatha Road
Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:18am
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The shattered aftermath of a deadly drunk driving crash in Cowlitz County serves as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for stronger prevention and enforcement efforts.Longview TodayAn 18-year-old high school student from Longview, Washington was killed in a single-car crash in Cowlitz County on Saturday night. Three other teenage passengers were injured in the incident, which authorities say involved alcohol as a factor. The driver, a 19-year-old Kelso resident, is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Why it matters
This tragic crash highlights the devastating consequences of drunk driving, especially involving young drivers and passengers. It underscores the need for continued education and enforcement efforts to prevent such incidents and protect the safety of the community.
The details
According to the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a report of an SUV on its side with a person trapped underneath on Maranatha Road in Kelso. They found a Toyota 4Runner on top of 18-year-old Elden Ragsdale, a senior at Mark Morris High School, who was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene. Three other teenage passengers were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment after being transported by private car.
- The crash occurred on Saturday night in Cowlitz County.
- Elden Ragsdale was pronounced dead at the scene.
The players
Elden Ragsdale
An 18-year-old senior at Mark Morris High School in Longview, Washington who died in the crash.
Jacob Manecke Jr.
A 19-year-old resident of Kelso, Washington who was the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash and is cooperating with the investigation.
What’s next
Once the investigation is complete, the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office will submit the findings to the prosecuting's office for potential charges against the driver.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address the issue of drunk driving, especially among young people, and to implement stronger measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
