High schooler dies after getting trapped under SUV in rollover crash; 3 others hurt

COWLITZ COUNTY, Wash. (KPTV/Gray News) - Deputies in Washington state say alcohol is believed to have been a factor in a rollover crash that left an 18-year-old high school student dead and three teenagers hurt.

Deputies with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office responded Saturday to a chaotic scene on a rural, private road in Kelso. An SUV was flipped on its side, and 18-year-old Ethan Ragsdale was trapped underneath.

Ragsdale, a senior at Mark Morris High School, died at the scene. Deputies say he was not wearing a seatbelt.

Three other passengers, all teenagers, were taken to the hospital for treatment by private car.

Deputies say the SUV’s driver has been identified as 19-year-old Jacob Manecke Jr. He is cooperating with the investigation.

Deputies believe alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash. Once their investigation is finished, they will submit the information to the prosecutor’s office for charges.

Ragsdale’s family was notified of his death at the scene.