Arrest Made In 2025 Fern Prairie Fatal Collision (Photo) - 05/12/26

On August 2, 2025, at approximately 12:11 a.m., members of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Camas Police Department, and the Camas-Washougal Fire Department were dispatched to a single‑vehicle collision in the 28600 block of NE Reilly Road, a rural unincorporated roadway in east Clark County. First responders arrived on scene and located a 2013 Jeep Patriot blocking NE Reilly Road with significant passenger-side damage.

Nicholas Ortiz, 18, was found unresponsive in the front passenger seat. Firefighters and deputies initiated resuscitation efforts; however, Ortiz was pronounced deceased at the scene. Matthew Kenne, 19, was able to self‑extricate from the vehicle and was identified as the driver. Kenne displayed signs of impairment and was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision.

The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation. Blood samples from Kenne were obtained pursuant to a signed search warrant and submitted to the Washington State Patrol Toxicology Laboratory for analysis. Kenne was released from custody pending further investigation and receipt of toxicology results.

During the months‑long investigation, detectives analyzed scene evidence as well as electronic vehicle data from the Jeep. The investigation revealed that Kenne was operating the vehicle at approximately 67–72 mph on NE Reilly Road when he failed to negotiate a curve, went off the roadway, and collided with a large tree. Toxicology results later confirmed a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08, and additional evidence of impairment was located within the vehicle.

On the evening of May 12, 2026, Kenne voluntarily met with detectives in front of the Clark County Jail, where he was taken into custody and booked for Vehicular Homicide and Minor in Possession of Alcohol. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the Ortiz family and expresses appreciation to the Camas Police Department and the Camas-Washougal Fire Department for their assistance at the collision scene.

No additional information is available for release at this time. Two photographs of the Jeep are attached.