Early Thursday morning, January 4th at approximately 4:30 am, the Oregon State Police and Washington County Sheriff’s office responded to a crash on Highway 26 in Washington County. The initial report was that a vehicle had struck approximately 11 elk.
During the investigation, deputies learned that a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche was traveling eastbound when it crashed into several elk that were crossing the highway. The driver of the truck, 36-year-old James W. Childers III, cooperated with the investigation and thankfully did not suffer any injuries.
Unfortunately, there were 13 known elk hit by at least one, possibly more, vehicles. Approximately half of the elk were killed on scene and the others were put down for humanitarian reasons.
Troopers and other authorities worked to salvage the meat and distribute it to food banks and senior centers. Three of the elk will be taken to Astoria for distribution, 2 elk will be taken to Tillamook for distribution, and the remaining elk be distributed locally.
The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division was contacted and responded to the scene. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is handling the crash and the Oregon State Police worked with the Oregon Department of Transportation in removing the elk.
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