Benton County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Traffic Crash On Highway 223
- 05/11/26
On May 9, 2026, at approximately 10:25 a.m., deputies with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 223, between the communities of Wren and Kings Valley.
The driver and sole occupant of a 1987 Ford Ranger, Tyler Allen Smouse, 18, of Philomath, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason and rolled over. The crash remains under investigation by the BCSO Crash Team.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for a family and a close-knit community,” said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “Our thoughts are with Tyler’s loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.”
Highway 223 was closed for approximately three and a half hours during the investigation and roadway cleanup.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone who witnessed the crash or has information related to the incident to contact the investigating deputy at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov.
BCSO thanks Philomath Fire & Rescue, Hoskins-Kings Valley Rural Fire Protection District, Oregon Department of Transportation, Corvallis Regional Communications Center, and Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains for their assistance during the response.
Benton County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Traffic Crash On Highway 223
- 05/11/26
On May 9, 2026, at approximately 10:25 a.m., deputies with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 223, between the communities of Wren and Kings Valley.
The driver and sole occupant of a 1987 Ford Ranger, Tyler Allen Smouse, 18, of Philomath, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle left the roadway for an unknown reason and rolled over. The crash remains under investigation by the BCSO Crash Team.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for a family and a close-knit community,” said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “Our thoughts are with Tyler’s loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.”
Highway 223 was closed for approximately three and a half hours during the investigation and roadway cleanup.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone who witnessed the crash or has information related to the incident to contact the investigating deputy at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov.
BCSO thanks Philomath Fire & Rescue, Hoskins-Kings Valley Rural Fire Protection District, Oregon Department of Transportation, Corvallis Regional Communications Center, and Willamette Valley First Responder Chaplains for their assistance during the response.