A rollover crash on Highway 223 between Wren and Kings Valley claimed the life of an 18-year-old Philomath man Friday morning, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to the single-vehicle crash at approximately 10:25 a.m. on May 9. Investigators said Tyler Allen Smouse, the driver and sole occupant of a 1987 Ford Ranger, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate the pickup left the roadway for an unknown reason before rolling over. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Crash Team.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for a family and a close-knit community,” Sheriff Van Arsdall said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Tyler’s loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.”
Highway 223 was closed for about three and a half hours while investigators processed the scene and crews cleared the roadway.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information related to the incident to contact the investigating deputy at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov.
Officials also thanked Philomath Fire & Rescue, Hoskins-Kings Valley Rural Fire Protection District, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Corvallis Regional Communications Center, and Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains for assisting at the scene.
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