DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — A 13-year-old boy was killed and several others were injured Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 38 in Douglas County, according to Oregon State Police.
The crash occurred Aug. 21 at approximately 1:38 p.m. near milepost 27.
OSP’s preliminary investigation determined that a yellow 2021 Ram 2500 pickup towing a 17-foot boat was traveling eastbound when it left its lane, crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a westbound 2012 Ford F350 pickup.
The Ram was driven by Jason Dean Paden, 63, of Portland. Paden was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Two passengers in the Ram, including a 14-year-old girl, were also taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
The Ford was driven by William Everett Ratledge, 56, of Oakland. Ratledge was transported by Life Flight to a local hospital.
Three juveniles were also occupants of the Ford. Two juvenile boys were transported to a hospital with injuries. A 13-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
Highway 38 was affected for approximately five hours while emergency crews and investigators worked at the crash site.
OSP was assisted by Lower Umpqua Ambulance, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Elkton Fire and Rescue, Scottsburg Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have seen the yellow Ram pickup and boat before the collision to contact OSP Dispatch at 800-442-0776 or by dialing OSP (677) from a mobile phone.
The case is being investigated under OSP case number SP26-273676.
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