A steep stretch of Interstate 5 through southern Douglas County turned deadly on April 6 when a stalled commercial truck and a family SUV collided near Canyonville, killing an 18-year-old and injuring three others, including the teen's twin sibling. The southbound lanes near milepost 90 were shut down for hours as vehicles burned, firefighters battled flames and troopers picked through the wreckage.
Stalled Truck, Fiery Impact
Oregon State Police say a white Freightliner commercial truck hauling a loaded trailer repeatedly stalled while climbing the grade on I-5. As traffic moved uphill, a maroon Honda CR-V slammed into the back of the big rig, triggering a violent impact that sent both vehicles up in flames.
The Honda was left badly burned, forcing investigators to spend hours documenting the scene and reconstructing what happened. Troopers led the on-scene investigation, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Driver Arrested And Booked
The truck driver, identified as 61-year-old Brenden Larry Christensen of San Diego, was not hurt in the crash. Troopers took him into custody at the scene, and he was booked into the Douglas County Jail on April 6, according to Douglas County Jail booking records. The jail roster lists him under booking number B26001166.
Victims And Emergency Response
The driver of the Honda, 18-year-old Davin Jack Smith of El Sobrante, California, died at the scene. His father, Lawrence Wayne Smith Jr., and Davin's twin sister, Annika Jace Smith, were airlifted to area hospitals with serious injuries. A fourth passenger, Ivan Amadeo Gonzalez, sustained minor injuries.
Southbound I-5 traffic was held for roughly three hours while firefighters knocked down the flames, medics treated the wounded and troopers worked the crash scene. Impairment is believed to be a contributing factor, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Investigation Continues
Oregon State Police say the case remains under active investigation as troopers interview witnesses and gather evidence. Prosecutors are expected to review the arrest and determine whether to file formal charges. Christensen remains in custody while that review is underway.
Troopers have asked anyone with dashcam footage or other information related to the crash to contact the Oregon State Police Roseburg area command.
