LONGVIEW, Wash. — A Sunday afternoon drive ended in tragedy after a single-vehicle crash claimed the lives of two men in the Longview area, according to the Washington State Patrol. The deadly accident happened along State Route 432 near Memorial Park Drive, a roadway that curves through the area and sees regular traffic. Authorities say the incident unfolded quickly, leaving no survivors.
Troopers were dispatched to the scene during the late afternoon hours after receiving reports of a serious crash. When emergency responders arrived, they discovered a vehicle that had left the roadway and come to rest off the road. Officials said the car had been traveling westbound before it continued through a curve and exited the roadway. Despite the rapid response from emergency crews, both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims were identified as John D. Rodriguez, 58, who was driving, and Anthony S. Evans, 28, who was riding as a passenger. Both men were residents of Kelso, Washington. Authorities did not release additional personal details, focusing instead on confirming their identities and ensuring their families were notified before sharing further information publicly.
According to the Washington State Patrol, speed may have been a factor in the crash, though investigators stressed that this determination is still preliminary. Troopers are continuing to analyze evidence from the scene to better understand how and why the vehicle lost control. Officials emphasized that no final conclusions have been reached at this stage of the investigation.
Investigators are also reviewing other possible contributing factors, including road conditions, vehicle movement, and environmental elements at the time of the crash. At this point, authorities have not confirmed whether impairment, distraction, or mechanical problems played a role. No other vehicles were involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
The roadway was impacted for a period of time as emergency responders and investigators worked to secure the area and gather information. The Washington State Patrol expressed condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the loss. As the investigation remains active, troopers are reminding drivers to slow down, stay alert, and use extra caution on curved roadways. Updates will be released if new details become available once the investigation is complete.
